The wrestling season started for Irmo High and Irmo Middle School wrestlers November 2 as they competed in the opening tournament of the year for the South Carolina Youth Wrestling Association (SCYWA) at Ben Lippen School in Columbia.
Wrestlers from both schools showcased their talent and determination.
Aiden Filter wins High School Division
Aiden Filter, a junior at Irmo High School, delivered a commanding performance in the High School 215-pound division at the SCYWA Mighty Warriors Melee. Returning from an injury that kept him out of most of last season’s competitions, Filter defeated a tough opponent in Jacob Stroud, a Super 32 Qualifier, by securing a fall victory. The win was a remarkable achievement for Filter, who had an impressive youth wrestling career that continues to build momentum as he sets his sights on a High School League State Title this season.
Filter, whose father recently took on the role of Head Junior Varsity Wrestling Coach at Irmo High School, showed his recovery has been on track.
Caleb Casillas’ season debut
Caleb Casillas, an 8th grader at Irmo Middle School, entered his second full season of wrestling with high expectations after a standout rookie year. Casillas finished second in the SCYWA Rookie State Tournament last season, and this year, he moved up to the 15u 143/150-pound division. The new weight class meant Casillas was facing larger, stronger, and more experienced competitors, including high school-aged wrestlers.
Despite the challenges, Casillas wrestled through a series of tough matches in a loaded division and earned a hard-fought 4th place finish.
Luke Sevilla overcomes injury to capture second Place
Luke Sevilla, another 8th grader at Irmo Middle School, had a story to tell at the tournament. A Southern California transplant, Sevilla had been dealing with a rib injury sustained during an Irmo Middle School football game against Chapin Middle School. Despite being advised not to compete, Sevilla pushed through the pain and entered the tournament.
Sevilla, who is a reigning SCYWA 12u State Champion at 125 pounds and USA Wrestling State Champion at 14u 140 pounds, showed his grit and determination by securing a thrilling final-second victory against Pelion Freshman Isaiah Dover. Unfortunately, due to his ongoing injury, Sevilla had to medically forfeit the championship match.
Sevilla’s victory was also a historic moment for the newly-formed Irmo KingPins and QueenPins Youth Wrestling Club, which celebrated its first-ever win in its debut tournament.
The youth wrestling club, set to make its official debut at the Seven Oaks Recreation Center later this year, is open to youth wrestlers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced, boys and girls, ages 4-17. The club has already begun to make its mark in the local wrestling community.
All three Irmo wrestlers—Filter, Casillas, and Sevilla—have already begun training for the upcoming 2024-2025 South Carolina High School League (SCHSL) wrestling season, and they are eager to take on more competition. The Irmo wrestling teams will have several home matches this season, giving fans a chance to see these talented athletes in action.
The Irmo Middle School team opens its season in the Irmo High School Gymnasium on Wednesday, December 4, against Hand Middle School and are seeking to add Cardinal Newman to the event.
The Irmo High School Varsity team opens their season at home against Columbia High School on December 14.
Irmo Middle School Head Coach Tommy Sevilla reports a significant turnout of female wrestlers at the first practice of the season November 4.
“Girls Wrestling is the fastest growing sport in the Nation and in California, where I come from, it is huge,” Sevilla said. “At Irmo, we want to encourage our female student athletes to come out and learn the sport and reap the rewards of the wrestling experience. We want a full girls team that will dominate the girls division in years to come.”
Tickets for Irmo High School wrestling events can be bought in advance through GoFan.co. In addition, donations to support the Irmo Wrestling Club are accepted year-round, helping to fund the club’s growth and the continued success of its athletes.
For more information about the club, including registration and donation details, visit www.IrmoYouthWrestling.com or email: [email protected].
Until November 9 Irmo Youth Wrestling has partnered with www.TheCigarNetwork.com and Smoke Break Cigar Lounge in Irmo, for a fundraiser to benefit Youth Wrestling in Irmo. Raffle Tickets may be bought exclusively in person at the Smoke Break Cigar Lounge or online at: https://thecigarnetwork.com/product/irmo-wrestling-raffle-ticket-drew-estate-swag.
