LHS looking for right combinations on mat

Lancaster High School wrestling coach Sam Robinson enters his second season with the Bruins and is hopeful LHS can improve on its 11-9 mat mark.

LHS has the needed experience, returning 12 wrestlers.

Junior Kendall Adams, who wrestled at 103 pounds last season, is back after posting a 22-9 record and earning the LHS wrestling Coaches Award. Adams was also a Class AAAA Upstate tournament qualifier.

Adams will wrestle at 112 this season, with freshman Dylan Sinclair, who was on the middle school squad last season, also slated to work at 112.

Sophomores Marquis Perry (119), Tyrese White (125), Ben Ghent (135) and Dustin Pate (140) are also returnees to the program.

Juniors Joe Craig (145), Donald Heath (152), Ben Caskey (171), Clay Rollings (215) and Casey Truesdale (heavyweight) are also returnees. Truesdale was a second-place finisher in the recent Warrior Invitational at Indian Land High School.

Senior Marshall Craig is also back to wrestle at 171.

"We have our share of experience and our returnees will have to share the leadership role," Robinson said. "The team's newcomers are sophomores Michael Orvington (130) and Justin Smith (160).

Junior Dawan Thompson, at 189, and senior Joshua Stewart (heavyweight) are first-year grapplers with potential, Robinson noted.

Robinson has plenty of depth at 160, which includes juniors Michael Wilson and Zach Campo along with freshman Tyler Wilson. Junior LeBrian Clark will see action at 145.

"It takes time to complete a wrestling lineup, but this team has potential," Robinson said. "They've been working pretty well.

"What I like about this group is that will keep going when it hurts," he said. "A large part to wrestling success is having heart and team chemistry. I feel we do and will show it throughout our season."

Robinson is assisted by Corey McIlwain, James Little and Marcus Truesdale.