In the hushed whispers of Greenwood, South Carolina, there echoed a tale that would reverberate through the ages. From triumph to trophies, against all odds, it was a historic season for Lander wrestling, where a group of determined young athletes rose to seize glory on the unforgiving mats. Led by head coach R.C. LaHaye’s unwavering intensity and a roster of passionate athletes, it only took five short years for the Lander wrestling program to be established as a national powerhouse.
“It all comes down to the culture and what we’re building here,” said LaHaye. “It goes down to our expectations, our standards and the way we expect our guys to practice and compete.”
Although the Bearcat wrestling program may be young, they have wasted no time establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with on the mat. The Bearcats finished as the national runner-up for the second straight year, largely due to their unfathomable lineup depth where they had six different men selected as All-Americans. According to LaHaye, depth was key in another successful season.
“Depth is essential and you really need that to compete as one of the top teams in the country,” said LaHaye.
One of those All-Americans, sophomore David Hunsberger, capped off his spectacular season by winning the national championship in the 165-pound weight class. It is only the second individual national championship in Bearcat wrestling history alongside Zeth Brower’s title at 141 pounds in 2022. When you ask LaHaye, it is only the beginning for the sophomore.
“I’m extremely proud of him. He’s a kid who does all the right things,” said LaHaye. “He’s been wrestling since he’s been in diapers and that really shows at the college level.”
In addition to all of those accolades, LaHaye himself was named the Conference Carolinas’ Coach of the Year for the second consecutive year, as well as being named the National Division II Coach of the Year. According to LaHaye, surrounding himself with good people is the key to being a successful coach.
“I surround myself with good people, this isn’t about me at all,” said LaHaye. “It’s about the athletes and assistant coaches that we have here that make this thing run.”
One of those assistants is Logan Hall, who was just getting down on the mat with the Bearcats a season ago. After his final season as a wrestler, Hall decided to take on a new roll as an assistant coach for the squad. If you ask LaHaye, or anyone associated with Lander wrestling, this addition has paid big dividends for the Bearcats.
“He was instrumental in our success,” said LaHaye. “I really feel like the guys clicked well with him this year.”
Looking ahead to next year, the Bearcats should have another dominant season. While losing six seniors, the Bearcats have multiple key contributors returning to have another successful season for Lander. According to LaHaye, his seniors leaving is sentimental, but he’s ready to rebuild for next year.
“More than anything I just thank them for letting us be a part of their athletic journey,” said LaHaye. “It’s tough to part with, but next season will be here quickly.”
