By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Former Miami, Oklahoma, coach Blake Byrne has made the move to Joplin and is looking forward to seeing what he can help the Eagles and Lady Eagles accomplish.
“I am extremely excited about this new opportunity,” said Byrne, who was Miami’s head coach for six years. “I see an immense amount of potential here and think that team is capable of more than what they’ve achieved in years past.”
Byrne has been pleased with the response of his new grapplers.
“We really hit the ground running, with our summer program and pre-season opportunities,” he said. “I am excited about the talent in the room and can’t wait for the season. The ones who have been in the summer and pre-season workouts have shown a commitment to getting better every day and buying into the new process.”
Joplin is led by Lucas Allen, a state qualifier in 2024. After being at 113 last season, he is expected to jump to 120 or 126.
The Eagles’ list of returnees also includes Eliah Rizo at 106, Cory Ivey at 120, Gabe Kabutha at 132, Andrew Burke at 138, Judah Merideth at 175-190 and James Clemens at 190 again this season.
Byrne is eager to see competition spur improvement.
“Overall, there is a lot of uncertainty throughout the lineup, especially with me not really knowing everyone’s capabilities,” Byrne said, “Every position is open for competition this season and I look for some deep competitions at some of the weight classes.
“I have set extremely high expectations,” he added. “I’ve challenged them to not only be leaders in the room, but outside the room. I’ve got a really good feeling that a few of them will exceed even their own expectations.”
Rizo and Cory Ivey were busy in the off-season at tournaments and camps.
“They have shown a commitment to this season being a special one,” Byrne said.
In addition to Byrne, newcomers are Laiken Perry at 120 and Keegon Storey-Henry at 285.
“Laiken is a freshman with an extreme amount of potential,” Byrne said. “If he can take the lessons we teach and continue to have the mindset he’s had so far, there is a good chance that he not only finds himself in the varsity lineup, but making some noise throughout the season. Keegon is a junior who comes to us from Oklahoma and has the size and experience to see success this season.”
Byrne also has high hopes for the Lady Eagles, Ilahnna Burtrum at 235.
“I look for her to break through and qualify for state for a second time,” Byrne said.
Joplin’s tournament trail will take the Eagles and or Lady Eagles to Bentonville West, Arkansas, St. Pius X, Columbus, Kansas, Bartlesville, Oklahoma, Monett, Republic, Columbia Hickman and the COC Tournament.
