Summerville's Jackson Pinckney took on Cane Bay's Gavin Murphy in the 113-pound weight class Dec. 17.
Considering how many wrestlers it had out of the lineup, Summerville is off to a strong start on the mat.
A deep playoff run by the Green Wave Football team and some health issues left the wrestling team without some of its starters in early matches. However, Summerville jumped out to a 10-1 start.
Senior Caleb Herring missed much of last season due to an injury but returned to the starting lineup Dec. 17 in a match against Cane Bay. He is ranked 11th in the state for the 126-pound weight class. Other projected starters who missed early matches include Eli Pressley (175), Ethan Woods (215) and Angel Lopez (285).
"In about another week or so we will be back to full strength and I'm excited to see where this team can go," Summerville coach Daryl Tucker said. "A lot of teams are much improved this season so I wouldn't say one of those wins is bigger than another."
Summerville has defeated Cane Bay twice. The Green Wave's other wins came over Chapin, South Aiken, White Knoll, Berkeley, Wando, Philip Simmons, Union County and Orangeburg-Wilkinson. The team's sole loss came to James Island Dec. 14 during the Cane Bay Duals. The Trojans defeated Summerville 47-34 and placed first in the tournament. Summerville placed second.
"I kind of had an idea it would go that way," Tucker said. "Our football team just played in the state championship game the day before so we were missing starters. I'm not making excuses because James Island has a really solid bunch so I was expecting a close match. We'll see what happens when it comes to January."
Summerville is scheduled to travel to James Island Jan. 16 for a region match.
Having starters out of the lineup can have its benefits and whichever wrestlers are put on the mat in the coming weeks will likely be tested.
"We are getting some young guys experience and that should pay off down the road when matching what other teams put on the mat matters more," Tucker said. "There will be good competition at these holiday tournaments."
Summerville had a dominant performance during its second match against Cane Bay, handing the Cobras a 69-6 loss in The Firehouse. That night marked Herring's return to action and he pinned his opponent at 150. Other Green Wave grapplers who pinned their opponent that night were Landon Deaton (120), Austin Stiltner (126), Kayleb Pinckney (138), Julius Frazier (190) and Oscar Gonzalez (215).
Also claiming a victory for Summerville that evening were Ridge Rollison (106), Jackson Pinckney (113), Brayden Herman (132), Colton Still (144), Mason Whisenhunt (157), Tytrell Fripp (165) and Seth Seprish (285).