The Sandhills Sandcats youth wrestling club has been in full swing for the 2006-2007 season. The club has about 25 registered members that compete around the state at AAU tournaments.

Folk style wrestling is taught to youth in grades 1-8 that compete in weights 35 pounds through heavyweight. The club is a feeder program for Moore County's high school programs.

Jim Ransdell, Dave Coleman, Brian Morris, Chuck Excell and Corey McKnight coach the team.

"I'm very impressed and excited to work with such a dedicated group of young athletes," Ransdell says. "The desire and determination I see at such an early age is amazing, and it is a pleasure being part of their development."

Wrestlers from the club placing at a recent Eastern Carolina tournament in Greenville were: Mason Coleman, first place, 45-pound bantam division; Mike Coleman, first, 75-pound junior division; Rider Excell, third, 100-pound junior division; Dallas Roemer, second, 85-pound junior division; Dustin Roemer, first, 100-pound school boy division; and Nathan Frederique, second, 130-pound cadet division.

Mason Coleman also received the award for the quickest pin, finishing an opponent in only eight seconds.

Previously, a pair of club wrestlers took first-place honors at a tournament held in the western part of the state.

Jacob Monroe was first in the 160-pound cadet division and Frederique won the top honor in the 130-pound cadet division.

Some of the club's beginning wrestlers have been testing their skills at various novice meets, gaining mat time in preparation for competing at a higher level.

The Sandcats will host the prestigious NCAAU Middle School State Championship on Feb. 17 at Pinecrest High School.