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

*Information/Interview Questions by Jason Lord**

PRESEASON INFO

2022-23: 7th Place in Traditional; DNQ for State Dual
Head Coach: Sean Hage (3rd Season)
Key Departures: TJ Payne (State 3rd), Grant Jones (State 5th)
Key Returners: Austin Marshall (State Champion), Nathan Neilson (State Champion), Mike Nichols (State 4th) | GIRLS – Greta Garbuzovas (State Champion), Nora Garbuzovas (State 3rd)

QUESTIONS FOR THE COACH

State Recap (Traditional)
“We placed 7th last year at the traditional state tournament. We were led by State Champions Austin Marshall (132) and Nathan Neilsen (138). We had SR (and 3 time State placer) TJ Payne get 3rd (144), SR Grant Jones placed 5th (165), and Freshman Mike Nichols rounded out the crew with a 4th place finish 190.”

Region Recap
“We placed 3rd by one point last year in the region.  A last minute pin bumped us out of the 2nd place position.”

Key Departures
“Losing a strong leader and 3 time place winner TJ Payne was tough. Grant Jones has been a big part of our team since he started wrestling as a Sophomore and his placing as a senior highlighted how hard he worked.”

Returning state champs, placers, starters
“Returning State Champs – Austin Marshall and Nathan Nielsen. Returning placers Mike Nichols. Returning Starters Geo Hernandez, Jacob Matthews, Jacob Pricer, Hayden Roy.”

Strengths/Concerns
“Strengths- Hard work in the off season has helped us grow in a lot of key areas. Concerns- Staying healthy because of how hard they are pushing themselves.”

Expectations
“Anything could happen with this group. Incredibly talented and hard working. I wouldn’t try to guess what they are capable of just yet.”