Ineligible wrestler costs Hanahan shot at state championship

The Hanahan High School wrestling team’s dream of its first state championship came to an abrupt end today when High School League commissioner Jerome Singleton ruled that the Hawks used an ineligible wrestler in Hanahan’s 34-33 victory over three-time defending state championship Loris on Wednesday in the Class AA Lower State finals.

The forfeit means Loris will compete in the state championships on Saturday in Columbia.

High School League rules state that a wrestler cannot compete more than one class above his actual weight. Hanahan wrestler Koffi Dwira, who is certified to wrestle in the 125-pound category, competed in a higher weight class than is permitted by the High School League when he wrestled in a holiday tournament earlier this season.

The sport uses preseason testing to determine a healthy body weight for competition. Though he competed and won his match Wednesday in the 125-pound class, Hanahan was forced to forfeit his victory because he was deemed ineligible for wrestling at a higher weight class earlier this season. The forfeit gave Loris a 39-31 victory.

Hanahan athletic director Charlie Patterson said his school plans to appeal Singleton’s decision to the organization’s Executive Committee.

“We’re proceeding like we’re going to Columbia on Saturday,” Patterson said. “Hopefully, they will hear our side of the story and rule in our favor.”