HARTSVILLE, S.C.- The Coker College wrestling comes into the 2017-18 season under the leadership of second year head coach Michael Baxter and assistant coach Shea Nolan. The Cobras look to improve on last season's performance and exceed expectations starting Nov.1 at the Spartanburg Methodist Duals, which feature Spartanburg Methodist College and Life University.
A Quick Look Back
The Cobras have 20 wrestlers returning from last year's squad, including Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) All-Academic selections Jordon Garlow and Temaris Dixon.
Garlow had an outstanding season on the mat and in the classroom. In addition, to his ECAC All-Academic selection, he was also named to the NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) All-Academic Honorable Mention team. On the mat he placed third at the UNC Pembroke Classic in the 184-pound weight class and won the King Open. He finished the season with an 11-10 overall record, winning six matches by fall.
Dixon also had a successful season on the mat, finishing the year with a 7-4 record, including three wins by fall.
As a team, the Cobras were 153-150 last season, winning 34 matches by fall and 11 by major decision.
2017-18 Season Outlook
Joining the returners on the Navy and Gold are 15 freshman this season. "We brought in 15 guys that are tough," said Baxter. "The really exciting thing is this freshman class came in and they have pushed the rest of the team."
Senior Luis Peguero believes, "They [the newcomers] are giving us a run for our money. They've still got some work to do experience-wise, but I think they match up well with the rest of our team."
Baxter followed up with, "It's been a really good preseason so far. I feel like we're in better shape. I feel like we're crisper on the mat. We're in a better position than we were a year ago and I'm really happy with the team so far. Also, I feel like we're a pretty tight knit group. There's a common goal amongst this team. Obviously they want to do well in the classroom and in wrestling, but I think they pride themselves on being tough and being gritty.".
Coker is picked to finished seventh in the ECAC preseason poll.
For full preseason poll, click here.
What to Watch For
The Navy and Gold open up the ECAC season at Belmont Abbey on Nov. 28. In preparation for the conference opener, the Cobras travel for matches against Life University and Spartanburg Methodist (Nov. 1), the Hokie Open (Nov. 5), the UNCP Open (Nov. 12), and the Emmanuel Open (Nov. 18).
The Cobras will host four home dual matches this season, with Emmanuel coming to town on Dec. 8, St. Andrews visits Hartsville on Dec. 13, they will take on Limestone on Jan. 11 and finally King will take on Coker on Jan. 18. Additionally, the Cobras will host the Coker Duals on Jan. 6.
According to Baxter, "We're going to handle our business one day at a time. We're going to come in and get better that day. We're not thinking two steps ahead when we have today in front of us."