A giant leap forward is what the Cassville boys wrestling program hopes to do this season, returning multiple state qualifiers and welcoming a buzz-creating freshman class.
Nathan Fortner, Cassville wrestling coach, said about 20-25 boys will come out for the team this year, led by a trio of returning state qualifiers.
“Akhilleus Arguelles, AKA Triple-A, will be 126 or 132, is explosive and wrestles through every position, so you can never count him out of a match,” Fortner said. “He has the experience and motivation to place higher than last year. I have high expectations for him this year. If he stays healthy and continues to put in the work, he has a very high ceiling for success.”
A senior this season, Arguelles took fifth place in the 132-pound Class 2 bracket at state. His fellow senior, Jake Anthonyz, placed fifth in the 160-pound bracket, and he will compete this season at 157 or 165.
“Jake is student of the sport,” Fortner said. “He’s always watching film and loves to wrestle. He is also one of the hardest workers on our team and will be an essential leader coming into this season. Jake also has a high ceiling, and there is no doubt that he will outwork his opponents. I believe that he can win it all.”
Another returning starter has state-level experience. A senior this season who will be relied on for leadership, Kurt Deaver, at 106 or 113, qualified for state, but fell by pin in his first two matches. Matthew Whittenburg, at 132 or 138., is another senior on the team Fortner hopes will improve from last year.
Beyond those upperclassmen, Fortner said there is a group of freshmen coming in that have already turned heads at the youth level.
“We have several incoming freshmen that have had success at the state level in youth, like Colton Roark, Riley James, Tristan Thompson and DJ Glidewell,” he said. “They will all make an immediate impact on the high school scene.”
Fortner said with the experience returning and the potential from its newbies, the Wildcats have plenty of untapped potential.
“This is my 6th year as head coach along with it being the 6th year of the Cassville wrestling program, and I expect it to be the best year yet,” he said.
