Campus News
October 28st, 2025
Laker wrestlers have depth, experience
Hull, Anderson, Smith, Nichols among GC’s returners
The Garrett College wrestling team sent a school-record nine Lakers to the national tournament last winter – and this year's squad appears to be deeper and more experienced than the 2024-25 edition.
"I think we're prepared to put on a little bit of a show," remarked head coach David Wingate, who has nine returners and three sophomore transfers on his 32-wrestler roster.
The Lakers go two- and three-deep in virtually every weight class, with strong competition across most weight classes.
"If I had to pick a lineup without watching the wrestle-off, I don't know if I could pick every weight class," said Wingate. "The depth creates good internal competition and prepares the squad to deal with what injuries may come up."
GC's returners include Camden Hull (Williamsport High), who went a team-best 2-2 at nationals last year despite wrestling most of the season on a torn meniscus. A 133-pounder last year, Wingate said Hull returned "a little taller and a little bit stronger," leading to a move up to 141 pounds.
Brooks Smith (North East High), another national tournament qualifier, is moving up two weight classes from 149 to 165 while battling fellow sophomore Matt Price (Delmar High) for the starting nod.
"Brooks has definitely packed on some muscle and he looks really sharp," said Wingate, adding that Price "has huge potential as well."
Garrett College's Jeronimo Valencia (10) weaves his way through the Cecil College defense during last Thursday's 4-1 loss to the Seahawks.
District runner-up Nick Anderson (Williamsport High), who was 1-2 at nationals last year, is staying in his weight class, which could be bad news for the district's other 125-pounders.
"Nick has a great wrestling IQ. He definitely has a chance to contend for a district title and to do well at nationals," said Wingate, who also has Keon Gavin (Old Mill High) and John Bowmann (Turner Ashby High-VA) available for 125-pound duty.
Sophomore Everett Nichols (George Ranch High-TX) , who placed third in the district last year, is competing with freshman Kollin Sullivan (Berkley Springs High), a West Virginia state runner-up last season, for the 174-pound berth.
"Everett is one of the strongest kids on the team, but he's got some competition," Wingate observed. "Kollin is probably my most technically sound wrestler, but it's a big jump going from high school to college."
There is also strong competition at 184, where sophomore Braeden Poorbaugh (Parkville High) is battling redshirt freshman Sunny Chavis (Allegany High), who missed last season due to ACL surgery.
Fellow freshmen Noah Obinna (Glen Burnie High) and Hayden Laney (Parkville High), and Waynesburg University transfer Andrew Johnson – who won't be eligible until the spring semester – will all be in the mix at 149 pounds.
"They're fundamentally sound; they know where to be and what moves to make," Wingate said of Obinna and Laney, while noting Johnson "has a great shot at moving into the starting lineup in the spring."
Three newcomers – Dekhi Church (Old Mill High), Shea Rogers (Republic High – MO), and Bowmann – could all eventually contend for the 133-pound slot.
Freshman Cameron Cannaday (Mt. St. Joseph High), a private school Maryland state champion, is competing with Jaiden Fields (Lake Region High – FL) and Owen Hodes (Towson High) at 157 pounds. Freshman Elijah Boston (Glen Burnie High) and Korey Durham (North County High) will hold down the 285-pound slot.
Frostburg University transfer Liam Debaugh is expected to continue GC's tradition of impactful 197-pounders once he becomes eligible in the spring.
"197 has been our overall best weight class since the start of the program – Tanner Clark to Elijah Hunter to Drayk Bunn," said Wingate. "I think Liam is right up there with all of those guys. He will turn some heads in the spring semester."
Wingate believes the Lakers have the talent to be outstanding individually and collectively.
"We have a great opportunity to hopefully get GC's first all-American," said Wingate. "And we should be right in contention to win it all in the Gulf Atlantic District [team competition]. It's just a matter of making sure the guys are at their peak performance when we get into the district tournament."
