Reeds Spring boys wrestling has 30 on the roster this season with eight varsity returners.
Those eight include Jadon Perez (senior – 285), Marshall Loftin (senior – 215), Brayden Fuller (sophomore – 190), Brock Crauthers (junior – 157), Jonathan Emerson (junior – 150), RJ Clouse (sophomore – 144), Kadyn Allerton (senior – 138) and Brayden Colon (senior – 132).
The seniors will be key leaders.
“We have a remarkable senior class this year with guys like Kadyn Allerton, Brayden Colon, and Marshall Loftin who all lead by example,” Reeds Spring head coach Parker Jackson said. “Guys like Braydyn Fuller and Justin Bonner bring the energy and wrestling knowledge, too.”
Freshmen Kyler Allerton (106), Mason Lyons (120), Parker Rodriguez (144), Preston Miller (175) and Chase Fagan (285) will all look for varsity mat time in their first high school seasons.
Ryker Thomason is a move-in from Colorado who brings experience at 144 pounds.
“Kyler, Mason, and Aidan all have a chance to make varsity and find real success,” Jackson said. “In the past, we have struggled to get smaller weights on the mat. This will be huge for our duals because we’re not starting 18 points behind.”
The Reeds Spring boys open the season on Dec. 10 at Aurora with an eye on February.
“It’s all about the state tournament,” Jackson said. “Yes, we want to defend our Mid-Lakes Conference title, and we want to continue getting better every day, but more than that, we want to qualify wrestlers for the State tournament.”
GIRLS TEAM
Reeds Spring girls wrestling has 14 on the roster with a group of five returners set to lead the team. That group includes Brooke Fuller (senior – 125), Mac Kugler (junior – 130), Olivia Kingsley (sophomore – 140), Bella Yartz (senior – 155) and Bailey Zittleman (sophomore).
“They all know what it takes to get through a wrestling season and can share that urgency with our new wrestlers,” Jackson said. “Mac Kugler and Brooke Fuller have put in a ton of off-season time with practices, camps, competitions, and it easily shows in the room.”
Cynthia Guzman is a senior but a newcomer at 110 pounds.
“Cynthia Guzman is a first-year wrestler, but she doesn’t look like it,” Jackson said. “She wrestles with power and confidence, and she should have an excellent season.”
Freshman Alana Turner will be at 155 pounds.
“Alana Turner at 155 is our most experienced freshman and has a great opportunity to get some varsity wins,” Jackson said.
Kayle Burks will be at 190 pounds in her sophomore season.
“Kaylee Burks, a sophomore at 190, wrestled in middle school, took a year off last year, but comes back this year with a renewed intensity,” Jackson said.
Junior Zoe Bohsted is another newcomer.
“Zoe Bohsted, a junior, has experience with jiujitsu, and that should crossover nicely into wrestling,” Jackson said. “As long as she doesn’t pull guard, she will be a stud.”
Katie Houtz is a first-year wrestler as a freshman with potential according to Jackson.
“We have a team full of newcomers, and they’ve already made a difference in the practice room with their energy and willingness to learn,” Jackson said. “Aubree Bayliff shows toughness, Destiny Lippe is an excellent athlete and quick learner, JoJo Buxton has excitement, and Quincy Johnson has what it takes to be an elite talent.”
Overall, the Reeds Spring girls wrestling program is on the rise.
“Five years ago, we had one girl on the team. Two seasons ago we had 4 girls. Last year we finished with 6 girls. This year, we start the season with 14 girls, and we are so close to a full roster. We have leaders with experience and newcomers with excitement. If we can stay healthy, we’ll be dangerous,” Jackson said.
The Reeds Spring girls open the season on Dec. 10 at Aurora.
“We want to defend our conference title,” Jackson said. “We want to keep our newcomers from quitting. But more importantly, we want to keep this team a family. There is great energy and positivity, and we hope to keep it that way as the season goes along.”
