By Chris Parker
Ozark boys wrestling has 38 out this season. Five state qualifiers in Frankie Pichler (junior), Greyson Clevenger (junior), Colton Wilson (sophomore), Teagon Patterson(senior), and Isaiah Collins (So.).
Wilson finished one match short of earning a state medal last season finishing at 36-13 overall. Pichler qualified at 106 pounds finishing with a 23-19 record. Patterson was at 144 pounds and had a 37-14 record. Collins wrestled at 285 pounds and had a 31-18 record. Clevenger qualified at 113 pounds and had a 25-18 record.
This group along with seniors Talyn Van Horn, Grady Kerans and Lucas Edwards will be leaders for the boys team.
“These returning qualifiers, as well as seniors Talyn Van Horn, Grady Kerans, and Lucas Edwards understand the expectations of the program, and will do a great job of leading by example,” Ozark head coach Tod Sundlie said.
Junior Jackson Kerans is also a returning varsity wrestler.
As for newcomers, there are many wrestlers competing for varsity mat time.
“We have several freshmen who bring a lot of experience and potential,” Sundlie said. “However, we also have several returning JV wrestlers who expect to compete for a spot. Our room is very competitive at several weight classes, and we will look to see who continues to grow and make adjustments. We are looking to see who will commit to competing like an Ozark wrestler is expected to.”
Ozark opens the season Dec. 6 at the Ft. Zumwalt North Invitational.
“I think this team likes to compete,” Sundlie said. “They enjoy challenges and have high expectations of themselves. They will need to continue to grow and make adjustments throughout the season, and if they are able to do this throughout the challenges of a season, their competitiveness will allow them to grow quickly.”
GIRLS TEAM
The Ozark girls wrestling team has 20 out this season.
“We are more experienced in some areas than we have been,” Sundlie said. “We graduated some very talented seniors, but our returners still benefit from their leadership, and should have fun this season embracing their opportunities.”
Two state qualifiers return in junior Leti Covello and senior Hannah Maskrod. Covelo wrestled at 110 pounds at state and had a 39-16 record on the season. Maskrod posted a 39-13 record at 120 pounds.
Seniors Riley Ridinger and Kirsten Abeya and juniors Kierra Kerns and Katie Hartgraves along with sophomores Stella Wheeler, Avery Tennison, Callie Wilson, Shelby Michel, Belle Swafford and Colleen Ware also return this season.
The upperclassmen are set to take on leadership roles.
“Our juniors and seniors have embraced their leadership role this year,” Sundlie said. “They have been in the program for a few years and do a great job maintaining and demonstrating the standards that are expected. It is very good for our younger wrestlers to have them in the room.”
The Ozark girls open the season on Dec. 2 with a home quad.
“We are focusing on continuous growth, and really just being thankful for their opportunities and challenges while having fun competing together,” Sundlie said. “These girls will enjoy the sport of wrestling more focusing on these things.”
