2019-20 Wrestling Season Preview

HARTSVILLE, S.C. - The Coker University wrestling team is setting high standards and goals for the 2019-20 season, the second under head coach Derrick Nelson. 

Coker posted three dual wins a season ago, while also boasting one national qualifier in Ramon Correa at 285 pounds. Coach Nelson is raising the expectations for not just his returning wrestlers, but also for his new wrestlers as well. Coker was picked sixth in the 2019-20 South Atlantic Conference Carolinas Preseason Coaches' Poll. 

"We have lofty expectations this year," said Nelson. "At one point last year, we had a chance to take four guys to the big dance and we weren't able to push them through. This year, our goals are much higher. We expect to be at Sioux Falls, and bringing hardware back."

Coker returns 19 men from a year ago, while welcoming 16 freshmen to the roster. Among the returners are several wrestlers ranked regionally, as well as Correa. 

Going into year two, it's definitely a blessing to have returners, two of which are nationally-ranked help lead this second class of incomers," said Nelson. "It's a massive benefit compared to last year. We have wrestlers who know what assistant coach Rob Parland and I expect. We have leadership now that is not manufactured. It's a totally new feel."

Nelson also spoke very highly of his incoming freshmen, who will have chances to battle for mat time. 

We recruited newcomers that can come in and help right away," said Nelson. "We wanted to be dangerous and we went out and and looked for danger. We have some freshmen that have already pushed some returners and some transfers who bring much needed mental toughness and also a calming presence to the group. They've come together from the start, and have meshed seamlessly."

The Cobras open the 2019-20 schedule at Averett on Nov. 3, before participating in the Pembroke Classic on Nov. 10. Coker will travel to St. Andrews (Nov. 15) and Truett-McConnell (Nov. 20) for dual matches, before getting back into tournament competition at the King (Tenn.) Open on Nov. 24. The only competition in the month of December for Coker is the prestigious Midwest Classic in Indianapolis on Dec. 14 and Dec. 15. The Cobras start conference competition after the new year at league-newcomer Mount Olive on Jan. 10, before traveling to league power Newberry on Jan. 14. The Cobras will host a tri-match with Lander and Colorado Mesa on Jan. 18, before hosting Limestone on Jan. 23. Coker will wrap up January and start February with conference duals at Queens (N.C.) (Jan. 27) and Belmont Abbey (Feb. 1), before hosting King (Tenn.) on Feb. 9 and Emmanuel (Ga.) on Feb. 16. Coker closes out the regular season at Liberty on Feb. 21, before NCAA Super Regionals take place on Feb. 28 and Mar. 1. 

"Our toughest stretch is our conference schedule, which is also mixed with Lander and Colorado Mesa, so our second half schedule is a grind," said Nelson. "Coming off Christmas break is always tough. It is nice to have some more experience than we did last year to help break out of the Christmas funk right away. Our conference is tough, and regionals will be tough. It will really speak volumes if we can take care of our business. Like I've said, it's about Sioux Falls and getting Cobras there, if we focus on that everything else takes care of itself."

Coker's season opener at Averett is set for 1:00 p.m. from Danville, Va., with video available at www.cokercobras.com.