We’re going team-by-team, with information from each local wrestling team! Here’s the season preview info for Banks County.

*Information/Interview Questions by Jason Lord**

PRESEASON INFO

2022-23: 7th Place in Traditional; Dual Sectionals
Head Coach: Kasey Hanley (18th Season); Forrest Garner Assistant Coach
Key Departures: Angel Cruz (State 3rd); Kellon Walley (State Champ)
Key Returners: Case Hanley (State 5th), CJ Maynard (State Placer), Elijah Mullins

QUESTIONS FOR THE COACH

First of all, how many years has it been that you have led the Banks County team?  
“This is my 19th year at Banks County, my 18th year coaching wrestling.”  

And how many years has Forrest been by your side? 
“This will be year 6 with the Legend “Four”rest Garner. The guy is invaluable. We are so blessed to
have him coaching these boys. He is coaching my own son, Case. That means a lot to me personally.”
 
A recap of last year?
“7th-place in Macon at Traditional. State Dual tournament – missed after a close call at a very tough Dual Sectionals. Last year was a mix of ups and downs. We were missing some key parts most of the year. At the Dual
Sectional, I thought we wrestled really well overall. We had 3 matches that I thought should go our
way, but sometimes in wrestling you get caught in spots that are really tough to escape. We ended up
losing all 3 of those ‘swing matches.’ Traditional State was much of the same. Ups and downs. We had guys I thought should have been on the podium that weren’t, but we also had another State Champion with Kellon Walley. Defending State Champion Angel Cruz placed 3rd. Cruz and Walley are both wrestling in college.”
 
You have 2 returning state placers Case Hanley & CJ Maynard

“Elijah Mullins was a state placer 2 years ago. As a senior, Elijah will lead the team. CJ and Case were
both freshmen last year. I thought both should have placed higher, but placing as freshmen is still a
great accomplishment. We have several returners that I believe should be on the podium this year.”

Do you have any new faces this year (middle schoolers, JV, or transfers) that you are expecting big
things from to fill weight classes and help you with team points?

“We didn’t pick up any transfers. We have a small group of freshmen coming up that will definitely
contribute. Micah Ward, Kevin Bailey, Brayden Patrick and Nathan Cote will lead the freshmen group. We are very excited about the addition of Coach Mitchell McGhee. I know he will be a huge factor in the next few years.” 

Do you think your team is built more for a Dual tournament or a Traditional?

“I think I will know more when the season is in full swing and I know exactly which football
players will be coming back. Based on what I see right now, we should be a good dual team. In the
traditional format, I think this group has the ability to really score some points.”