Two state medalists and a state qualifier return this year to the Cassville boys wrestling team, one which is growing in size and full of youth.
With only one senior and 13 freshmen, the Wildcats are building a program hoping to contend for a team state title in coming years.
Nathan Fortner, Cassville wrestling coach, said goals are set for the team throughout the season, but improvement if the over-arching aim.
“Our goal throughout the year is to take one match at a time and develop every day to become a better wrestler and person,” Fortner said. “If we focus on the little things throughout the season it usually sets us up nicely for the postseason.”
The Wildcats took six wrestlers to state in February, returning three, all sophomores this year, after two graduated and another moved out of the district. Colton Roark posted the best finish, in fifth place at 144 pounds. Riley James took sixth place at 150 pounds, and Tristan Thompson went 1-2 in matches at 157 pounds.
“They all bring a different set of skills to the table and are all dynamic and versatile wrestlers,” Fortner said. “ Tristan, Riley and Colt are all sophomores looking to add more accolades to their resumes.”
Behind the talented trio are 22 team members, only five of which are returners, hoping to join them in Mizzou Arena in 2024. They include: senior Dakota Bowen; juniors Jon Lopez, Brad Stumpff and Jaret Hinson; sophomores Ethan Sizemore, Landon Farrington, Noah Uria and Josh Crawford; and freshmen Kaleb Artherton, Mike Yang, Boni Lopez, Trevor Garnett, Rylen Holman, Kole Fry, Kevin Haas, Christian Gilcrease, Izaak Henbest, Cannon Rose, Mason Rillstone, Bruce Hilburn, Jacob Kloss, Jesse James.
“We have a good leader on the team with senior Dakota Bowen, and we also have some leaders with years of experience wrestling such as Riley, Colton, Tristan, and Ethan,” Fortner said. “The kids are working hard and I’m excited to see what they will accomplish this year. I expect them all to lead by example because we have a big freshman and sophomore class that are figuring out the sport of wrestling and a lot of it is due to our leadership.”
Fortner said the Wildcats are efficient in offense and improving each time out, but there is plenty of room to continue getting better.
“They don’t shy away from a challenge,” Fortner said. “We have a brutal schedule this year for both our girls and boys wrestling programs. Our team has a lot of room for improvement in all three phases of wrestling (neutral, bottom, and top) which will come with repetition in practice and competition.”
The Wildcats have seven tournaments on the schedule this season, including a home tournament, and they hope the experience gained there will prepare them for districts and state.
“Our home tournament for the boys is on Dec. 9,” Fortner said. “It is our first home tournament that we are putting on in Cassville. I think the strength of our schedule will prepare us for postseason wrestling. Our goal is to develop our kids into tough wrestlers and we do that by wrestling tough competition. I believe our district is one of the toughest districts in the state.”
The Wildcats also have a unique edge over other teams in the state, as between the boys and girls squads, there are 10 sets of siblings.
“They got family on the back of their shirts this year for that reason,” Fortner said.
Cassville’s first home trio was on Tuesday against Berryville (Ark.) and Carthage, and the Wildcats return home for their home tournament on Dec. 9 starting at 10 a.m. People may follow the Cassville Wrestling page on Facebook to keep up to date on how the season is progressing.
