By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Bolivar coach Clayton McCullah is confident Mason McCurry’s state championship last season will serve as motivation for the Liberators for years to come.
“What makes Mason’s achievement more impressive is that he (was) a dominant two-sport athlete in football and wrestling,” McCullach said. “Our kids take pride in proving that multi-sport athletes can still compete with — and even win titles against — those who specialize year-round. Like many schools our size, we share athletes across multiple sports, and few of our wrestlers compete year-round due to their involvement and commitment to other teams. In fact, all but one of our returning varsity wrestlers are three-sport varsity athletes. Our athletes find it encouraging to see the rewards of hard work and dedication pay off. It’s motivating to see our system and the process produce success at such a high level.”
“We are excited about what we have returning to the room and for the opportunity for others to step up and contribute,” McCullach added.
Bolivar has seven returning starters. That group includes Koven Parks at 140-145, Korben Parmalee at 150-157, Cale McCurry at 157-165
Logan Bunn at 165-175, Sam Harless at 190-215, Grant Bayless at 190-215 and Owen McCullah at heavyweight.
“We set the bar high for every athlete in our program,” Clayton McCullah said.
Cale McCurry is a returning state qualifier, while Bunn and Sam Harless each reached the bubble match at districts last season.
Owen McCullah is among the multi-sport athletes. He also competes in football and track.
“Owen has set high goals for his senior year, and we’re excited to see him back on the mat competing at a high level,” Clayton McCullah said.
Newcomers for the Liberators are Collin Montgomery at 113-120, Dakota Spiegel – 120-132, Braden Davis, 138-145, Garrett Samek at 190-215, Reese Isenberg at 215-285 and Milo Griffin at 215-285
On the girls side, the Lady Liberators feature Adrianna Meneses-Lilly, a state-qualifier last season. She will be at 125 and 130 this season.
Shelby Holm (130-135) and Maisie McCullah (190) are back after both were one win shy of making state last season.
Also returning is Maddy Reardon at 115-120.
The Lady Liberators welcome aboard Lexi Lilly at 100-105, Shyanne Downs at 105-110, Mackenzie Davis at 110-115, Peyton Lean at 120-125 and Paetyn Albright at 170-190
Bolivar’s boys and girls will both open their seasons at home December 5–6 in the Bolivar Invitational.
The Liberators will also compete at the Carl Junction Dual Tournament, Branson Tournament and Kinloch Classic.
The Lady Liberators will take part in the Noel Invitational, Willard Tournament, and Parkview Tournament.
