Nelson signs 21 to 2018-19 Coker wrestling roster
Coker College Head Wrestling Coach Derrick Nelson has announced the signing of 21 new recruits to the 2018-19 wrestling roster.
Nelson inked John Watts, Dalton Haywood, Alex Braden, Alex Miller, Jaylon McCaslan, P.J. Wunderlich, Jayshawn Dixon, Ethan Welsh, Chris Poland, Brandon Mills, Devon Varnadore, Ayush Patel, Brandon Mills, Jaylon McCaslan, Zach Dixon, Pedro Daher, Chase Clark, Mason Brown, Zane Corey, Christian Williams, and Ramon Correa.
Watts finished his career at Coffee High School in Douglas, Georgia with an astonishing record of 190-13. Watts, who wrestled at 125 pounds in high school, was a two-time Georgia state champion, and three-time Georgia state finalist. Poland is a transfer from Eastern Michigan University via Thornapple Kellogg High School in Middleville, Michigan. Poland compiled a 127-31 career record at Thornapple Kellogg, and was named a USA Wrestling Junior National Greco-Roman All-American. He competed in seven tournaments at Eastern Michigan where he totaled 12 wins. He placed sixth at the Alma Open and fourth at the Findlay Open at 133 pounds. Wunderlich was a decorated member of the Carolina Forest wrestling program in Myrtle Beach. Wunderlich was a three-time county and region champion, and finished his high school career with a 122-33 record. Braden attended Hilton Head High School where he wrestled for the Seahawks. He was the 138-pound and 145-pound 4A State Champion.
Christie attended Burrell High School where he played baseball, golf, and wrestled for the Buccaneers. He finished with 112 career victories, and was County Champion, Section Champion, and WPIAL runner-up.
Corey attended Allegan High School in Hastings, Michigan where he wrestled for the Tigers. Corey was a four-time conference champion, and three-time state qualifier in high school. He wrestled at Grand Valley and Muskegon Community College before transferring to Coker.
Dixon attended Aynor High School in Aynor, South Carolina where he played football, ran track, and wrestled. Dixon was a state qualifier and three-time regional champion in high school.
Patel attended Wake Forest High School where he wrestled for the Cougars. Patel was first in conference and first in the region at Wake Forest High.
Welsh attended Hartsville High School where he was a member of the competitive cheer team and a wrestler. Welsh qualified for the state tournament three times as a member of the Red Foxes wrestling team. He’s the son of Tiffany and David Welsh, and he’s currently undecided on his major.
Daher attended Tallwood High School in Virginia where he wrestled for the Lions. Daher was a two-time state qualifier and finished first in the region and first in the state.
Mills attended Rock Hill High School where he wrestled for the Bearcats. Mills tallied 189 wins in his high school career, and was the 2018 Upper State Champion. He was selected as a 2018 North/South All-Star. Clark attended Suwannee High School in Florida where he wrestled for the Bulldogs. He finished his senior season with an impressive 43-13 record.
McCaslan attended Emerald High School where he played football, ran track, and wrestled for the Vikings. He won his region, and went to state qualifying twice. Varnadore and Brown were members of the National Guard and will be joining the Cobras in January.
