By: Jake Miller

HARTSVILLE, S.C.- Coker wrestling head coach Cy Wainwright announced the addition of Marco Mason, John Smith, Chris Noel, Trey Merritt, Michael Thurman and Peyton Smith to the program's 2016-17 recruiting class.

Mason comes to Coker from Colonial Forge High School, where he had an outstanding career for the Eagles wrestling team. In 2015, Mason finished third in 6A Conference 4 and fifth at 6A south regionals. Mason had an even bigger 2016 campaign, finishing first in 6A Conference 4, first at 6A south regionals and third at the 6A state tournament. He was also a two-time member of the Virginia Cadet National Team. The Stafford, VA. native is the son of Marco and Christianna Mason and is undecided on a major.

 Smith journeys to Hartsville after a three-sport career at Mapleton High School where he ran cross country, track and field and wrestled. On the mat, he was a two-time district champion, a three-time state qualifier and a two-time state place-winner. He also had success in his other sports, being a two-time regional qualifier, a state qualifier once and being a part of the 2015 conference champion Eagles cross country team. Smith also did pole vault for the Eagles track and field team, and was a one-time regional qualifier. The Ashland, Ohio native is the son of Marlene Rhoades and John Smith, Sr. and plans to study criminology.

Noel comes to Coker from Airport High School where he was a member of the Eagles football, tennis and wrestling teams. On the mat he was a four year starter and a two-time state qualifier. The West Columbia S.C. native is the son of Edward Noel and plans to study special education. 

Merritt will join the navy and gold after an outstanding wrestling career at Porter Ridge High School. Merritt was a two-time Porter Ridge High School Wrestler of the Year and a two-time NCHSAA state qualifier and placer. He was also voted All-Conference twice, as well as All-County twice. As a junior he was an AAU Scholastic Duals All-American, and owns a career mark of 138 wins. The Indian Trail, S.C. native is the son of Michelle and Robert Evans and plans to study physical education.

Thurman comes to Coker from Alcove High School where he had an outstanding wrestling career for the Tigers. As a freshman he finished second in Region 2AAAAAA. From there he became Region 2AAAAAA champion the next three years. Following regionals as a sophomore Thurman placed ninth at sectionals. As a junior he earned a fifth place finish at sectionals and finished top eight in the state tournament. His senior year he earned a third place finish at sectionals and a fourth place finish at the state tournament. The Covington, Ga. native is the son of Dana and Michael Brooks and plans to study biology. 

Peyton Smith journeys to Hartsville after a football and wrestling career at Benton High School. He was named Southern Illinois River to River All-Conference all four years, as well as All-South for three years. He was named All-State both as a junior and senior, and a three-time state qualifier. He finished third in the state at 138 pounds, and earned a fourth place finish at 145 pounds. He was named the team MVP both his junior and senior years. Smith also set a Benton High School record for all-time wins (154) and owned a career record 154-16. The Benton, Ill. native is the son of Dennis and Marya Smith and plans to study sport management.

The group plans to join the solid group of 29 returners from last year for Cy Wainwright's third year behind the bench.