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

*Information/Interview Questions by Jason Lord**

PRESEASON INFO

2022-23: 1st Place in Traditional; 1st Place in Dual
Head Coach: Kyle Baird (5th Season)
Key Departures: Davis Dollar (State Champ), Luke Cochran (State Champ), Chaz McDonald (State Champ)
Key Returners: Roman Belardo (State Champ), Sammy Brown (State Champ – expected to enroll early at Clemson for football), Dallas Russell (State Champ), Creed Thomas (State Champ), Millie Hughes (Girls State 3rd)

QUESTIONS FOR THE COACH

After a great year of sweeping the Duals & Traditional, how do you replace the seniors that graduated to put your team in a similar position to claim the NEXT title?
“We gained two top level wrestlers that didn’t compete in either State Championship because of injury with one of those being a State Champ 2 years ago. I have a few dark horses that have been putting in the work. Mainly you have to work, focus on the small details and trust the process.”

Do you have any new faces this year ( middle school, JV, or transfers) that you are excited to see out on the mat this upcoming season that can help replace some of the valuable team points?
“No transfers. Have some new faces that may break the lineup coming from Middle School.”

At Jefferson, with the storied tradition of Coach Keen & Coach Thurmond and now yourself, how do you go about leading this team to contend for titles year after year and not look backwards at past accomplishments?  What have you learned that will help you as the HC that you can build on?
“You said it, you don’t look back to any past success. I think our boys learned that lesson when West Laurens beat us two years ago. You have to focus on the small goals weekends at a time, fixing the small things. Stay humble in what we do and continue to grind out practices.”

Let’s not forget the girls- I know you had some success with this last year too (I know 1 won the sectionals at Stephens County) how did she and the others finish at state?  How many do you have now competing?  Enough for a full squad and weight classes?
“Milly Hughes ended up 3rd at State last year. We have gone from just two girls to seven girls this year. I think they will surprise people. Goal this year is to bring home some state champs with the girls.”

Knowing that the goal at Jefferson every single year is the State Championship, what are some of the strengths of this upcoming year and what are the biggest concerns competing in a very competitive Class 5A?
“The goal within the state are Championships. We also look to have a name recognized nationally, which is our goal every year and is even more so this year. We are looking to just get and keep everyone healthy. Have certain guys step up to help us be successful and not overlook our competition.”

Last thing, when is the big tournament you are holding this year? How many teams are you expecting and from how many states?
“The CFK is Dec. 29-30. We will have 33 teams currently committed to participate. Looking at about 9 out of state teams.”