Seckinger Wrestling Builds a Championship Culture in 2025 Winter Season
The 2024-25 winter wrestling season was a landmark year for the Seckinger High School wrestling team. Under the guidance of Head Coach Keith Oldknow, the Seckinger Gladiators (SKG) cemented their status as one of the most promising young programs in the state of Georgia. With a strong combination of seasoned leadership and emerging young talent, SKG captured both the Region Duals Championship and the Traditional Region Title, placed in multiple prestigious tournaments, and sent six wrestlers to the Top 16 at the state level.
A Season of Success
From the outset, Coach Oldknow knew he had a special group. The team’s 2024-25 campaign included a 24-10 record in dual meets, a Comet Clash tournament championship, a 3rd-place finish in the Gwinnett County Championship, and top-four finishes in six different varsity events. Additionally, both the junior varsity and freshman teams earned top-three finishes in their respective tournaments—clear evidence of a deep and well-rounded program on the rise.
In the words of Coach Oldknow, “The 2024-25 season was very successful. Our kids worked hard and came together at the right time. They showed they could compete—and win—against some of the best competition in the state.”
Key Contributors Shine on the Mat
While Seckinger’s season was defined by team success, it was powered by the standout efforts of individual wrestlers who delivered in big moments. Six SKG wrestlers advanced to the Top 16 at the GHSA State Championships, with several earning top-five finishes:
Kymani Tinsley (Freshman, 106 lbs) – 4th in State
Jose Urdaneta-Silva – 4th in State, Region Champion, Gwinnett County Champion
Zacariah Walker – Top 8 in State, Gwinnett County Champion
Amari Bright – Top 12 in State
Flavio Drittlhuber – Top 12 in State
Andre Turenne – Top 16 in State (injury-limited), Region Champion
This core group delivered under pressure, consistently racking up points in key matches and setting the tone for the entire team. Each wrestler brought a unique skill set to the mat, from Tinsley’s explosive movement to Walker’s power and control. Together, they formed the backbone of Seckinger’s tournament success.
Young Talent Steps Up
The 2025 season also marked a breakout year for several younger athletes who grew into larger roles as the season progressed. Freshman Luca Bardelli won the freshman county championship at 138 lbs and gained valuable varsity experience. Sophomore Flavio Drittlhuber became not just a consistent performer but also a vocal leader in the wrestling room and on the mats. Another rising talent, Gabriel Perez, steadily improved throughout the season and is expected to be a key piece moving forward.
Of course, few freshmen made as big of an impact as Kymani Tinsley, who not only held down the 106-pound weight class but became a dependable point-scorer in major tournaments. His 4th-place finish at state solidified his position as one of Georgia’s top young wrestlers.
Defining Moments: Learning How to Win
One of the season’s most critical turning points came in the Region Duals Championship, where Seckinger battled a strong Gainesville team in the finals. It came down to the wire, with SKG narrowly escaping with a one-point win in the final match to clinch the title.
“That match taught our team how to win,” said Coach Oldknow. “It was a close, intense battle, and our guys stayed composed. That experience gave them belief—not just in themselves, but in each other.”
These pressure-filled moments weren’t just about medals or trophies. They were about building mental toughness, something Coach Oldknow and his staff emphasize every day in the practice room.
Veteran Leadership and Team Culture
While the future is undeniably bright, the foundation of Seckinger’s culture came from this year’s senior class. Isaiah Arrington, Zion Bivens, Amari Bright, and Erich Drittlhuber set the tone for the younger wrestlers through their dedication and leadership both on and off the mat. Their influence helped shape a championship mindset and instilled the values of perseverance and discipline that will continue to guide the program moving forward.
“These seniors were vital,” Oldknow said. “They led by example, they supported their teammates, and they set a high bar for what it means to be a part of SKG wrestling.”
Looking Ahead: The Future is Now
With most of the roster returning next season, expectations are already high. At least six SKG wrestlers are projected to be ranked in the preseason Top 20, with Zacariah Walker, Kymani Tinsley, and Jose Urdaneta-Silva all expected to crack the Top 5 in their respective weight classes.
Coach Oldknow and his staff are wasting no time in preparing for what’s next. This offseason, Seckinger will place an added focus on weight training, conditioning, and expanding summer and fall competition opportunities for its wrestlers. These efforts are designed not just to maintain the current level of success, but to elevate the program into serious contention for a state championship.
“We’ve already got the pieces,” Oldknow said. “Now it’s about sharpening the edge and continuing to build that championship culture.”
Final Stats & Achievements
Seckinger’s full-season performance speaks for itself:
24-10 dual meet record
Region Duals Champions
Traditional Region Champions
Comet Clash Tournament Champions
3rd Place – Gwinnett County Championship
6 Wrestlers in Top 16 at State
2 Gwinnett County Champions: Jose Urdaneta-Silva & Zacariah Walker
2 Region Champions: Jose Urdaneta-Silva & Andre Turenne
Conclusion: A Team on the Rise
The 2025 wrestling season will be remembered as a breakout year for Seckinger High School. From region titles and individual accolades to breakthrough performances and rising stars, this team not only competed—they arrived. With a deep returning roster, an experienced coaching staff, and a program-wide commitment to excellence, the Seckinger Gladiators are poised for even greater heights in the seasons to come.
As one chapter closes, another opens—with even more promise, more goals, and a stronger belief that Seckinger wrestling is built to last.
To follow SKG wrestling and view full match stats, visit official records and tournament coverage online.
 cemented their status as one of the most promising young programs in the state of Georgia. With a strong combination of seasoned leadership and emerging young talent, SKG captured both the Region Duals Championship and the Traditional Region Title, placed in multiple prestigious tournaments, and sent six wrestlers to the Top 16 at the state level.
A Season of Success
From the outset, Coach Oldknow knew he had a special group. The team’s 2024-25 campaign included a 24-10 record in dual meets, a Comet Clash tournament championship, a 3rd-place finish in the Gwinnett County Championship, and top-four finishes in six different varsity events. Additionally, both the junior varsity and freshman teams earned top-three finishes in their respective tournaments—clear evidence of a deep and well-rounded program on the rise.
In the words of Coach Oldknow, “The 2024-25 season was very successful. Our kids worked hard and came together at the right time. They showed they could compete—and win—against some of the best competition in the state.”
Key Contributors Shine on the Mat
While Seckinger’s season was defined by team success, it was powered by the standout efforts of individual wrestlers who delivered in big moments. Six SKG wrestlers advanced to the Top 16 at the GHSA State Championships, with several earning top-five finishes:
Kymani Tinsley (Freshman, 106 lbs) – 4th in State
Jose Urdaneta-Silva – 4th in State, Region Champion, Gwinnett County Champion
Zacariah Walker – Top 8 in State, Gwinnett County Champion
Amari Bright – Top 12 in State
Flavio Drittlhuber – Top 12 in State
Andre Turenne – Top 16 in State (injury-limited), Region Champion
This core group delivered under pressure, consistently racking up points in key matches and setting the tone for the entire team. Each wrestler brought a unique skill set to the mat, from Tinsley’s explosive movement to Walker’s power and control. Together, they formed the backbone of Seckinger’s tournament success.
Young Talent Steps Up
The 2025 season also marked a breakout year for several younger athletes who grew into larger roles as the season progressed. Freshman Luca Bardelli won the freshman county championship at 138 lbs and gained valuable varsity experience. Sophomore Flavio Drittlhuber became not just a consistent performer but also a vocal leader in the wrestling room and on the mats. Another rising talent, Gabriel Perez, steadily improved throughout the season and is expected to be a key piece moving forward.
Of course, few freshmen made as big of an impact as Kymani Tinsley, who not only held down the 106-pound weight class but became a dependable point-scorer in major tournaments. His 4th-place finish at state solidified his position as one of Georgia’s top young wrestlers.
Defining Moments: Learning How to Win
One of the season’s most critical turning points came in the Region Duals Championship, where Seckinger battled a strong Gainesville team in the finals. It came down to the wire, with SKG narrowly escaping with a one-point win in the final match to clinch the title.
“That match taught our team how to win,” said Coach Oldknow. “It was a close, intense battle, and our guys stayed composed. That experience gave them belief—not just in themselves, but in each other.”
These pressure-filled moments weren’t just about medals or trophies. They were about building mental toughness, something Coach Oldknow and his staff emphasize every day in the practice room.
Veteran Leadership and Team Culture
While the future is undeniably bright, the foundation of Seckinger’s culture came from this year’s senior class. Isaiah Arrington, Zion Bivens, Amari Bright, and Erich Drittlhuber set the tone for the younger wrestlers through their dedication and leadership both on and off the mat. Their influence helped shape a championship mindset and instilled the values of perseverance and discipline that will continue to guide the program moving forward.
“These seniors were vital,” Oldknow said. “They led by example, they supported their teammates, and they set a high bar for what it means to be a part of SKG wrestling.”
Looking Ahead: The Future is Now
With most of the roster returning next season, expectations are already high. At least six SKG wrestlers are projected to be ranked in the preseason Top 20, with Zacariah Walker, Kymani Tinsley, and Jose Urdaneta-Silva all expected to crack the Top 5 in their respective weight classes.
Coach Oldknow and his staff are wasting no time in preparing for what’s next. This offseason, Seckinger will place an added focus on weight training, conditioning, and expanding summer and fall competition opportunities for its wrestlers. These efforts are designed not just to maintain the current level of success, but to elevate the program into serious contention for a state championship.
“We’ve already got the pieces,” Oldknow said. “Now it’s about sharpening the edge and continuing to build that championship culture.”
Final Stats & Achievements
Seckinger’s full-season performance speaks for itself:
24-10 dual meet record
Region Duals Champions
Traditional Region Champions
Comet Clash Tournament Champions
3rd Place – Gwinnett County Championship
6 Wrestlers in Top 16 at State
2 Gwinnett County Champions: Jose Urdaneta-Silva & Zacariah Walker
2 Region Champions: Jose Urdaneta-Silva & Andre Turenne
Conclusion: A Team on the Rise
The 2025 wrestling season will be remembered as a breakout year for Seckinger High School. From region titles and individual accolades to breakthrough performances and rising stars, this team not only competed—they arrived. With a deep returning roster, an experienced coaching staff, and a program-wide commitment to excellence, the Seckinger Gladiators are poised for even greater heights in the seasons to come.
As one chapter closes, another opens—with even more promise, more goals, and a stronger belief that Seckinger wrestling is built to last.
To follow SKG wrestling and view full match stats, visit official records and tournament coverage online.)
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