OK. You've heard it at least a zillion times, and it's become a staple for coaches in every sport -- There is no 'I' in 'team.'
But there are three in 'individual,' and that's what the Class AAAA state wrestling tournament comes down to today.
The team championship was decided two Saturdays ago, with Summerville breezing past Rock Hill for the title at Ridge View High School. Saturday's tournament at Irmo is one-on-one -- no team points, no team title and no team trophy.
It's all about winning, being a state champion and wearing the crown of the best South Carolina wrestler in one classification and weight division.
Nineteen wrestlers from the Herald-area are making the trip down I-77, with aspirations of doing what three locals did last year.
All returned this year, but only one made it back with a chance to defend the title he won last year. Fort Mill's James Brotemarkle, the reigning state champ at 119 pounds, starts his venture for another title against Summerville's Miles Perkins.
South Pointe's Jake Mitchell was the champ at 112 last year, but didn't qualify at last week's Upper State tournament. Fort Mill's John Green won the 125-pound title last year, but is injured and was unable to compete last week.
Expect big things this time.
Brotemarkle, Rock Hill's Beck brothers -- Weston, Seth and Chad -- Northwestern's Jared Williams and Fort Mill's Cody Melton won Upper State titles. Because of that, they got good seeds and the odds are in their favor. But it won't be easy.
There are eight wrestlers in each of the 14 weight classes. The brackets consist of the top four placers from last week's Upper State and Lower State tournaments, open to all teams in Class AAAA for the first time.
The Becks could make history. Never have three brothers won state titles in the same year.
• NOTE -- The Class AAA individuals state championship is also today at Airport High School.
Only one Herald-area wrestler qualified. Chester's Omega Richardson will compete in the 160-pound weight division. He was third at last week's Upper State tournament.
