HAMLET — The Richmond Senior High School wrestling program officially kicked off its new season on Wednesday.
After several weeks of pre-season workouts, the Raiders and third-year head coach Andre’ Ellerbe practiced for the first time.
Two dozen wrestlers participated in the gym at the Ninth Grade Academy. Also joining the Raiders were members of the Richmond County middle school program, coached by first-year head coach Ben Seamons.
Helping coach as an assistant this season will be former Raider wrestling alumni Naaman Perakis, who graduated in 2023.
Ellerbe said combining the high school and middle school programs will be a daily occurrence to help strengthen the current and future Raiders.
About half of the wrestlers at Wednesday’s practice were newcomers to the sport, as a mixture of returning wrestlers in a variety of weight classes helped lead instruction.
Coaches spent time with wrestlers working on conditioning and fundamentals, specifically how to work out of a bottom position.
The Raider wrestling program will continue practices ahead of the start of its season. More wrestlers are expected to join once football season ends.
The Richmond Observer will continue its coverage of all of Richmond’s winter sports programs in the coming months.
Below are photos of Wednesday’s wrestling practice taken by sports editor Kyle Pillar.
