Burke Co. 2024-25 H.S. winter sports preview capsules
WRESTLING
PATTON PANTHERS
Last year’s record: 11-9 (2-4 MF7 1A/2A)
Returning wrestlers: Cayden Marshall, Luke Parker, Cavan Sullivano, Nicholas Parlier, Jonah Gregory, Burke Wilson
Other key wrestlers: Brady Christian, Aiden Sigmon, German Pena Lara, Ryan Vue
From the coach: “(We have a) small team, but they continue to improve and give great effort. (Our) schedule is very challenging and will hopefully prepare us for a successful year for team as well as individually for each member.” — Billy Whisenant
Outlook: Whisenant is pulling double duty as football and wrestling head coach, and in his first season replacing Edwin James, his Patton grapplers are led by returning state qualifiers Wilson and Parker, who won 82 matches between them last winter as juniors. Sullivano also enjoyed a solid season last winter, winning 29 times. The Panthers beat only Chase and Hendersonville in Mountain Foothills 7 Conference action last season and aim to improve from fifth in the seven-team league.
SWIMMING
DRAUGHN WILDCATS
Last year’s finish: Boys — First in WHC 1A/2A; Girls — Second in WHC 1A/2A
Key swimmers: Boys — William Abernathy, Tate Jensen, Mason Kirkland, Griffin Stephens, Abdiel Gonzalez, Braxton Kirkland, Brandon Sexton, Chase Yambor, Caden Barker; Girls — Ally Auton, Ava Aldridge, Peyton Brewer, Macy Auton, Taylor Beaulieu, Lilah Johnson, Addy Lowman, Bella Whitson
From the coach: “We have a lot of swimmers returning this year, and our team has grown from last year. We have 10 new swimmers on the girls side and six new boys joining the team. This new group ranges from experienced swimmers who have participated in summer recreation and year-round leagues to brand new swimmers who are eager to improve and willing to work hard to be successful this season. Our goal as a team is to qualify as many swimmers as we can to the regional competition in January. Each swimmer has personal goals as well that they are working toward.” — Stephanie Mull
Outlook: Mull, who coaches the Wildcats alongside Bret Watson this winter, hopes that the team can have another strong finish after nearly sweeping the Western Highlands 1A/2A Conference titles a year ago. The entire DHS boys’ state-qualifying boys 200 medley relay team of William Abernathy, Tate Jensen, Abdiel Gonzalez Tomas, and Griffin Stephens returns, and Jensen was ninth at regionals in the 50 freestyle, one spot shy of qualifying for state individually as well.
INDOOR TRACK
PATTON PANTHERS
Last year’s finish: N/A
Returning athletes: Charlotte Rigsbee, Cayden Roscoe, Gabe Wykle, Layla McGuire
Other key athletes: Jude Gregory, Will Evans, Nora Wykle, Elise Sawdy, Eliuth Lopez-Nicolas, Josh Torebka, Bryant Arrowood
From the coach: “I am incredibly excited to be heading up the indoor track team this season. It is a great group of athletes, and we look forward to creating and achieving goals set by our athletes. Additionally, we’re hoping to continue to grow and develop our running program. I know these students will crush it like always, and I feel lucky to be able to coach such amazing students.” — Whitney Collins
Outlook: Rigsbee (girls 1600 meters) and Gabe Wykle (boys 4x800 relay) qualified for state in the indoor season last winter, and Wykle, Sawdy, and McGuire figure to lead the way in the distance events as each qualified for state in cross country already this school year. Patton opened its season Wednesday at West Iredell, the first of nine scheduled meets prior to state. The closest to home will be back at West Iredell on Jan. 15 and Feb. 5.
NOTE: The remainder of the Burke County high school winter sports preview capsules will run as information is received from coaches.
— Compiled by Paul Schenkel
