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Published: Wednesday, November 12, 2008 - 2:00 am Tribune-Time.com
Tribune-Times: SPORTS STAFF

With a nucleus of seniors blending with talented youngsters, the St. Joseph's Catholic School wrestling team is practicing with high goals this season.

"This season is all about 'more,'" coach Jason Smith said. "We have more wrestlers on our team than ever before. We have more coaches. And, as a result, we have more (higher) expectations for ourselves."

Ken Winslow has joined the staff as junior varsity and middle school coach. The team also has several volunteer assistant coaches, including alumnus Philip Hearn.

Also looking for more are seniors Ahmad Dbouk and Steven Fowler. The two-time state champions are looking to end their wrestling careers at St. Joseph's with a third SCISA (South Carolina Independent Schools Association) individual championship and the school's first team title.

"Other schools throughout the state have been keeping an eye on us for a couple of years now," Dbouk said. "They know who we are and we're not going to be able to sneak-up on anyone."

Smith projected the Knights' lineup:

In the 103/112-pound weight class, eighth-graders Travis Carrico and Noah Davis will compete. Sophomore Michael McCall is counted on at 119 pounds, followed by freshman Andrew Anderson at 125.

The 130-, 135-, 140- and 145-pound classes will include a rotating lineup of Dbouk, sophomore Alex Burnikel and eighth-graders Nathan Henk and Michael Kiser. Sophomore Clark Burgess will wrestle in the 152 lb. weight class.

The 160 and 171 classes will be manned by Fowler and freshman Gabe McCall. Sophomore Will Dameron will wrestle at the 189, and senior Danny Collins returns at 285.

"We are blessed this year," Smith said. "We're going to come close to having a complete lineup for the first time. We have senior leadership, experience, and abilities. We also have a group of young wrestlers who are itching to get on the mat in competition so they can show what they can do."

The Knights open Dec. 3 in Columbia against Hammond School, the four-time defending SCISA state champion.