Charles Prince

The North Jefferson News



HAYDEN — A big senior class has Wildcat head coach Paul Moore hopeful that his club can better their sixth place finish at last year’s state tournament.

“Our seniors, that’s the strength of this team,” Moore said. “We’re got 11 seniors. What they do this year will determine how good a team we’ll be this season.”

Six of the 11 seniors are currently starters, but the others could work their way into the lineup as the season progress as coach Moore keeps his team competing with one another with wrestle offs before important tournaments.

Four of the returners from last year’s club placed at the state 5A tournament.

Josh McCoy was the 135-pound champion, but this season he will wrestle in the 145-pound weight class.

Also back are Wesley Ray, who was the state runner-up at 103 pounds, but has moved up this year to 112 pounds, Rusty Thigpen, who took third at the state meet in the 171-pound class and Ryan Pridmore, who was fourth in the 112-pound class, but has moved up to the 119-pound class this season.

With the experience of four medalists, in addition to others on the roster who qualified for the state meet, Moore is optimistic the Wildcats can improve on their state tournament finish.

“We’re hoping to be in the Top 5 this year,” he said. “We can be a better team than last year. It’s just a question of getting everyone into the right weight class and avoiding injuries. If we stay healthy, I’m expecting us to move up.”

The Wildcats finished fourth in 5A, Section 2 last season. The section is expected to be a tough test for Hayden again.

Defending state champion Scottsboro and state third place finisher Arab are expected to have strong clubs again this year.