Eastside wrestling wins ninth-straight state championship

Eastside defeated Lugoff-Elgin to claim the program’s ninth-consecutive state championship.

In Wednesday night’s upper state championship match, Eastside wrestling dominated Greenwood from the start in a convincing 57-12 victory. The Iron Eagles advanced to Saturday’s state championship with the win.

“It’s just business as usual,” said freshman Ray Ray Johnson, who earned a pin on his opponent late in the match. “We practice like we’re the best in the state because we are the best in the state.”

Johnson, along with eight other Eagles, finished their matches with a pin. Just another step on the road to a ninth-consecutive state championship for Eastside.

“There’s some pressure on all of us to keep the streak going,” said Johnson. “But as younger guys, even if we lose some matches, we know the juniors and seniors will pick it up for us.”

Eastside head coach Jack Kosmicki said the constant success never gets old.

“It’s something new every year. It’s a new lineup, new dynamic, new bunch of kids,” said Kosmicki. “And even if it’s a returning kid, it’s a new season for them. It’s not hard for us to stay motivated.”

The Iron Eagles went on to defeat Lugoff-Elgin on Saturday to claim its 19th overall state championship, good for most in South Carolina history. All 19 have come since Kosmicki’s appointment in 2000.

“Our success is solely about the team,” said Kosmicki. “We don’t approach this as an individual sport at all. Everyone’s contributions are consecutive.”