ROCKINGHAM — Richmond Senior High School’s wrestling program has spent the past two weeks participating in tryouts and practices ahead of the new season, which is set to open later this month.
With the Raiders and head coach Earl Nicholson competing in their first pre-season scrimmage Wednesday at Pinecrest High School, ROSports met with two wrestlers and Nicholson to discuss what the 2019-2020 season may hold. This year’s season will see the Raiders compete in over 15 conference and non-conference meets.
Featured in this round of Raider Wrestling Chats are seniors Joey Nicholson (113-pound) and Austin Gallops (152-pound) and veteran head coach Earl Nicholson.
Joey Nicholson, senior 113-pound
Joey Nicholson is returning for his fourth season on the varsity wrestling team and has proven to be one of Richmond’s most successful wrestlers. Last season, he became the program’s fastest wrestler to reach 100 career wins, and this season he has his sights set on bringing home a state title with his name on it. (click photo for video)
Austin Gallops, senior 152-pound
Gallops enjoyed a breakout season as a junior and was the lone Raider to win a Sandhills Athletic Conference individual championship. Known as “Southside” and his tough moves on the mat, Gallops discusses the team’s mindset ahead of the season and how he hopes to set the bar higher for himself this winter. (click photo for video)
Earl Nicholson, head coach
Coach Nicholson has been around Raider wrestling since his high school days, and this season he hopes to see his team put it together to win as many matches as possible. He also discusses some wrestlers to watch, how the middle school program has benefited the high school program and explains what he’s looking for in Wednesday’s scrimmage (click photo for video)
