With a youthful, inexperienced squad on the mat, Timberland High School wrestling coach Ryan Rhoades is getting the Wolves work against quality programs this winter to prepare them for the end of the season.

The Wolves are 6-9 in duals so far this winter, but generally save their best for last. Timberland has been to multiple Lower State championships the past several years and competed for a state title in 2022. In 2023-24, the Wolves advanced to the Lower State final after progressing as the campaign rolled along.

"Half our starters are in their first year on varsity and the rest are starting in only their second year," Rhoades said. "Only one wrestler on the team has been wrestling for three years or more. We have won against schools our size, but have taken it on the chin against some very good 5A schools. Carolina Forest, Stratford, Goose Creek, St. James and White Knoll have very solid programs, so our guys will be battled-tested when the Class 2A playoffs begin in February. "

In the annual Hawk Invitational Saturday, Dec. 21, Timberland produced three placers, including one weight class winner. Wyatt Thames finished first at 113 pounds.

"He not only wrestled against solid competition, but he avenged two losses (one from this season and one from last season)," Rhoades said. "He is only in his second year of wrestling but you wouldn't know it if you watched him wrestle."

Avery Thames, the Wolves' 132-pounder, finished third in a weight class that included two state champions.

"He wrestled tough and smart, but was just out-matched in the semis against a three-time state champion from Fort Dorchester," Rhoades said. "He is a senior and second-year starter. He flipped the switch this year and has been a leader and extremely hard worker on the team."

Rhoades' 144-pounder, Sean Brown, also finished third in the Hawk Invitational.

"Sean is a junior who wrestled some varsity last year but was not a starter," Rhoades said. "He lost a tough semis match but battled back in the consolation rounds to earn his medal."

Timberland 138-pounder Owen Berrios, like the three aforementioned grapplers, has shown consistent leadership in the wrestling room, too.

"They have been the glue to hold the team together," Rhoades said. "We are hoping to get guys to certain weight classes and get a few other wrestlers to buy in and really dedicate themselves. We're hoping to make a run in the team playoffs like last year, but there has been some adversity. One of our first-year starters was injured and is likely out for the season, while another first-year starter has been sidelined with an injury sustained at a tournament two weeks ago. There have been some challenges, but I hope this break will give us an opportunity to heal and work on the things we need to improve on before January hits."