Athlete of the Week

Senior wrestler Harrison Lankford is pinning his opponents against the mat this year. “When he steps on the mat he is very confident that he will beat his opponent,” says Varsity Wrestling Coach Austin Miller. “The only question is how and when?” At the Cardinal Newman Holiday Classic Lankford went 3-1 and finished third overall. His third place finish helped West Ashley High achieve second place overall. Lankford says his favorite thing about wrestling is when he’s the deciding factor of whether his team moves on to the next challenge or wins the match.
Lankford has had great success during his high school wrestling career. “Last year, I got us our first win against Wando, and we were not supposed to beat Wando,” says Lankford. So far this season, he has obtained five wins and only two losses. “Harrison’s drive to be a better wrestler is evident in his work ethic and his mannerisms,” says Miller. Lankford claims eating healthy is the key to his success. In fact, the one thing he misses very much during wrestling season is snacking.
Lankford says his father used to wrestle, so it definitely makes him proud that his son chose to wrestle too. Ironically, Lankford started wrestling to help improve a different interest. “I thought wrestling would help me in football,” says Lankford. “But I don’t play that anymore; I like wrestling better.” His teammates are rather glad he found his niche.
When he’s not putting his opponent in a half nelson, Lankford stays active in the school and in the community. “Harrison is a role model on and off the mat,” says Miller. “I could not be more proud as I am of Harrison.” Lankford is a member of the West Ashley High School Cross Country Team and is a member of National Honor Society. Outside of school he stays very active within his church and church-sponsored community activities.
After he graduates, Lankford plans to attend Clemson University and major in engineering. He says his ultimate goal after he graduates from college is to be able to work for himself.