Summerville Journal Scene ®
Despite the odds, the Ashley Ridge High School wrestling team has had one of the most successful starts in the school’s short history.
The team of freshmen and sophomores has competed against varsity teams all season and done so with only 10 wrestlers.
That means that even on their best day, the Swamp Foxes have to forfeit 24 points.
“It’s tough to compete when you’re giving up that many points,” Ashley Ridge coach Stacey Woods said. “But we aren’t really worried about how many matches we win or lose, it’s more so about getting these kids to be the best they can be. I feel we’ve achieved a big portion of that.”
Still, the team has picked up some wins along the way. Entering the playoffs this week, the Swamp Foxes have 10 victories against 15 losses.
While other start-up programs at the school can boast a better winning percentage in their first year, none have more wins under their belt.
Emilio Uc-ton, who wrestles in the 119-pound class, and 103-pounder Louis Waechter are two of the wrestlers who have led the way for the team.
“Emilio is real intense,” Woods said. “He’s small for his class, but people have really had to work against him. He has been a great leader and team captain. Louis started off a little slow, but he has chalked up a lot of wins this season.”
Some of the athletes, like 152-pounder Andre Hill, had no wrestling experience prior to this season. But Woods says the group shows great promise.
“I think we have a good foundation for next year,” he said. “We have gotten better over the season. I’m proud of these guys for taking some of the beatings they did and sticking it out. Andre has wrestled some real hammers, but he remains optimistic. Our guys work extremely hard and I think most of them will develop into really good wrestlers. We’re hoping we can get some more kids interested in wrestling so we can fill some of the voids we have.”
Other members of the team are Trevor Huggins, Tyler Barkley, Anthony Robson, Xavier Sierra, George Baker, Kevin Lester and Kai Clark.
Prior to being named the head coach for the AR wrestling program, Woods spent 15 years as an assistant coach and JV coach at Summerville and Fort Dorchester high schools.
There, he tutored under Steve LaPrad, Kenny Walker and B.D. LaPrad.
“Being around those guys, what more can you ask for,” Woods said. “It’s great to be able to call on them for advice. They have been a great resource for me.”
He says the support he has received from the AR administrators has also been a big plus for the program.
“Everybody here has been supportive,” he said. “We are in a good environment and I have two great assistants in Ronnie Autry and Lee Barkley. They both play a major role in the program. They work extremely hard; they are a pleasure to coach with, and they work well with these young men.”
Contact Roger Lee @ 873-9424 ext. 213 or rlee@journalscene.com.
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