By Chris Parker
The Springfield Central boys wrestling team has 20 in the room this season.
Six of them are returners including Justin Applegate (113-120, sophomore), Michael Ritter (120-126, senior), Thomas Turley (132-138, senior), Rogue Wilson (157, senior), Xander Wilson (165, senior) and Christen Brockman (285, senior).
Wilson and Turley will be key leaders according to Central head coach Hayden Puckett.
“Rogue Wilson and Thomas Turley will be our leaders this season,” Puckett said. “Both are in their fourth year with Central and have already set the tone in the wrestling room. They show up every day, work hard, and set an example our younger wrestlers can follow.”
Wilson is poised for a breakout season.
“Xander Wilson (165 Sr.) has made a huge improvement since last season,” Puckett said. “He started late in the season last year and never looked back. He attended a local wrestling club in the offseason, participated in open mats, and competed in tournaments during his time in the offseason. He will make a huge impact on our team this season.”
Anthony Ruiz (113, freshman), Terek Tomporowski (120, freshman), Warren Schatzer (144-150, freshman) and Paydyn Christy (138, junior) are newcomers to watch.
“I expect Warren Schatzer to have the biggest impact this season,” Puckett said. “His work ethic is great, and he is constantly looking for the toughest wrestlers in the room to work with.”
That desire to seek out the best competition is a trait throughout the wrestling room.
“Our biggest strength is our work ethic and competitiveness from top to bottom,” Puckett said. “This group shows up ready to learn, pushes each other every day, and buys into doing things the right way. We’ve got a mix of experienced upperclassmen and hungry young wrestlers who aren’t afraid to battle, and that combination gives us depth, toughness, and a lot of potential across the entire lineup.”
Central opens the season with a trip to West Plains for an assembly meet on Dec. 2. On Dec. 10, the Bulldogs will join all the Springfield Public Schools wrestling teams for the first Mayor’s Cup at Parkview.
“For us to consider this a successful season, I want to see growth in every athlete – technically, mentally, and in how they carry themselves,” Puckett said. “If our kids compete hard, stay disciplined, support each other, and are better in February than they were in November, that’s a successful year. The wins will follow if we continue to develop the right habits.”
GIRLS TEAM
The Central girls wrestling team features four returning wrestlers including Hannah Ballard (125-130, junior), Catalina Arteaga (170-190, junior), Chloe Stout (155-170, sophomore) and Amaiya Tamayo (190-235, sophomore).
“Hannah Ballard and Catalina Arteaga will be our leaders in the room this year,” Puckett said. “They are in their third season on Central’s Wrestling Team, and have wrestled varsity each season. These two know what it takes to succeed, on and off the mat, and always come to practice with a good attitude.”
Stout has shown great dedication in the offseason.
“Chloe Stout has been to every open mat that we hosted here at Central in the offseason and is constantly looking for ways to get better,” Puckett said.
Tennison Parker is a freshman who will be in the varsity lineup at 130 pounds.
“Tension Parker is expected to have a varsity impact this season,” Puckett said. “She is a freshman, and first year wrestler, and has fully embraced being a wrestler on our team. She shows up ready to learn and work hard every day.”
The roster may be small, but there is experience.
“For our girls’ team, a majority of our girls have at least one full season of varsity wrestling experience (4 out of 6),” Puckett said. “Having that experience will help them succeed this season and shows that these girls are committed to making our team better.”
Central opened the season at the Neosho Tournament on Nov. 22. They wrestle next at the West Plains Assembly Meet on Dec. 2.
“We would like to see our girls team continue to make improvements, on and off the mats,” Puckett said. “If we are better in February than we were in November, that would be a success.”
