The Putnam County wrestling team began its season this past weekend at Gainesville High, and War Eagles’ head coach Joe Hutsell said he has high expectations for this year.
He predicted this senior class is going to have a special year with a lot of goals they’ve set in place.
“This (senior) group is what kind of started it all,” Hutsell said. “They were all in eighth grade when I came to Putnam County and started the program from the ground up. So, I am pretty close with this group of kids. This group came out for wrestling when no one else did, especially in middle school. They were willing to try something new and I am forever grateful for them.”
The Putnam boys’ team was ranked eighth in the Class AA preseason rankings. While Hutsell doesn’t focus on the ranking, he said it’s a testament to how far the program has come in just a few years.
“I think we’re in a pretty good spot, preseason-wise. Rankings don’t mean a lot, but it’s nice to be noticed,” Hutsell said. “We’ve got two state placers returning and were defending area champs in both duals and traditional, so we’re looking to defend our titles. We’ve come a long way in a few years.”
Putnam County seniors Wyatt Stanley and Tristan Williams are the returning state placers from last season. The duo will lead the pack of talented War Eagle grapplers who are trying to qualify for state.
“They’ll probably lead the way for us because they showed it can be done. You can be relatively new to the sport and have success at the state level,” Hutsell said. “I know Tristan wrestled all summer and went to national tournaments. He just got back from New York and won what’s called the Savage title. Tristan will lead the way in terms of success, but Wyatt is solid, too.”
Mark Winslette is another name to watch on the Putnam boys’ side. Entering his final campaign as a War Eagle wrestler with 98 wins, the senior will be looking for his 100th career victory early this season.
“(Mark) should get his 100th career win here soon,” Hutsell predicted. “I’m proud of him.”
On the girls’ side, senior Lily Frisch placed at the state level last year and returns to lead the charge again this season. The Lady War Eagles also have six new wrestlers coming up from the middle school level.
“I’m excited for the girls’ season. There’s a lot of potential in that group,” Hutsell said. “There’s a strong core there with the younger girls, including my daughter, so that will be fun.”
Putnam County is set to host its Battle of the Briar Patch tournament on Nov. 21. The tournament will feature multiple area teams and starts at 9 a.m. in the Eagles’ Nest at the high school.