It’s human nature to strive for greatness; whether that’s in sports, in life, or even in something as simple as shopping for a car. 

We often fantasize about owning the fully-loaded model that boasts heated seats, a massaging function and self-driving capabilities. But in reality, we usually end up settling for something more affordable. 

The same goes for sports. Conversations about the best player, team or performance can ignite passionate debates, and living in Monett, I’m frequently asked for my thoughts on who or what I believe is the best I’ve covered.

While I could offer a broad opinion, I always make it clear that my perspective is based on my experience from 2010 onward. If I don’t, I’m often met with the response, “Well, the [insert-year] team was better than that.” So, I try to stick with what I know first-hand.

As for the best team I’ve covered, it’s without a doubt the 2016 Monett Cubs football team. They were a force to be reckoned with, capable of dominating through the air, pounding opponents on the ground with a relentless running game or shutting them down with suffocating defense. 

As for Monett’s best overall sports program? Wrestling reigns supreme. 

The Cubs have produced more state championships and filled their trophy case more than any other program in the school’s history.

And, when it comes to the best athlete I’ve covered, my answer might surprise some. 

Monett High School has produced its share of extraordinary athletes in the likes of Jack Fox and Kelly Kurbow, who both went on to play football for Mizzou, and Kyle Meyer and Kellen Bounous, who wrestled at Stanford and Missouri, respectively. 

However, those athletes completed their careers before I arrived in Monett. In the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of covering athletes like Kurrna Blamey, Kaesha George, Jacob Fair and Chase Brennan, all of whom have gone on to compete at the Division I level. 

But for me, the standout is clear — Chris Renteria.

Renteria may not have been the biggest, fastest, or strongest athlete to ever walk the halls of Monett High School, but he possessed something that set him apart.

He exuded the heart and determination of a champion. 

As a junior in 2011, Renteria won a state wrestling title for the Cubs. Seeded No. 5 entering the district tournament, he upset the No. 1 seed to earn a spot in the state tournament. A week later, in Columbia, Renteria outworked every opponent he faced, including a semifinal victory over the same district foe he’d previously upset. 

Of his seven losses that season, two came at the hands of his state title match opponent, Pleasant Hill’s Joshua Hastings.

Trailing 2-1 with just 12 seconds left in the state title match, Renteria was on the verge of defeat. But with a neutral restart, Monett coach Daryl Bradley gave him a simple instruction — “Find it and go.” 

Renteria dug deep, scoring a two-point takedown with just 5 seconds remaining and holding on for a 3-2 victory. 

As a senior, he wrestled up a weight class, earning a state title berth against a three-time defending state champion. Though he lost the match, Renteria became the first wrestler to score points against that opponent in that championship bout.

Bradley was full of praise for Renteria, saying, “The kid just gives everything, every day. He does whatever you ask, and it’s always 100 percent.” He went on to say that if he could clone any athlete, it would be Renteria.

Renteria’s story is one of resilience and self-belief. In a recent Facebook post, he reflected on how he embraced the underdog role throughout his life. 

“I was told I had the toughest weight class in Missouri and became a state champion that year! They told me I couldn’t make it as a runner, yet I earned a full ride to college. They said I was too big for long-distance running, yet I competed with the best in the nation. In college, I was told I wasn’t cut out for academia and should consider the military. I graduated on the dean’s list! They said I was just a number at my job, but it only took me three years to set the standard for the entire West Coast division. I was told MMA wasn’t a real career, and now I’m a professional fighter.”

At 31 years old, Renteria is 4-3 as a professional MMA fighter. Every coach who worked with him in Monett had similar praise for his relentless work ethic. 

As for me, I’ll continue to stand by my selection. Pound for pound, Chris Renteria is the best athlete I’ve had the privilege of covering.

Jared Lankford is the sports reporter for Monett Monthly and has spent 15 years covering Monett-area athletics. He can be reached at monettsports@gmail.com.