Waynesville boys wrestling has 52 on the team this season with the seniors set to lead the team.
“The leaders in the room will be the seniors due to their time in the program and their ability to mentor and lead by example,” Waynesville boys head coach Lucas Smith said.
The returning varsity wrestlers include Isaiah Santos (junior – 120), Mason Zamora (senior – 132/138), Lincoln Stearns (senior – 144), Dian Justus (senior – 150), Carson Sutphin (senior – 157), Joseph Camelin (senior – 215) and Jackson Roby (sophomore – 126).
“Joseph Camelin wrestled the spring, summer and fall and showed great growth,” Smith said. “Lincoln Stearns, Mason Zamora, Dian Justus, Isaiah Santos, and Carson Sutfin also committed to wrestling in the off-season.”
Sutphin is the lone returning state qualifier.
Freshman Jake Nixa and senior Brayden Shaw are also in line to step up to the varsity level this season.
“The strength of this team is their consistency and hard work,” Smith said. “To be successful this season, I want to see growth out of our younger wrestlers and continue to build on past successes.”
Waynesville opens the season on Dec. 6 at the Neosho Tournament.
GIRLS TEAM
The Waynesville girls team features 22 wrestlers including 11 newcomers.
Dakota Nix (junior – 115/120) and Addison Brown (sophomore 130/135) return after placing at state last season. Nix was fifth at 120 pounds while Brown placed sixth at 135 pounds. Destany Oster (125/130) also qualified for state last season.
“These dedicated athletes have consistently been training throughout the year, and their commitment is invaluable,” Waynesville girls head coach Maria Duncan said. “Our focus is on cultivating a balanced mindset and consistent effort in our training, which we believe will lead us to achieve our desired outcomes. We recognize the challenges ahead, but we’re eager and ready to face strong competition.”
Several other returners bring back experience from last season including some conference placers.
“Returning athletes like Eve Smith (senior -145/155), who placed third at the COC last season, and Emily Babcock (junior -155/170), who finished four, are also poised to make significant contributions to our varsity squad this year,” Duncan said. “They will be joined by a talented group, including Karina Narcotta (sophomore – 100/105), Brooklyn Zamora (junior -125/130), Isabella Torres (sophomore – 125/130), Lilianna Lockhart (sophomore – 135/140), Eulalia Moynihan (sophomore – 190 pounds) and Emma Smith (sophomore – 235).”
The freshman class is deep and includes Jordyn Seely-Manuel (135/140), Akaylah Calhoun (145), Addilyn Ogden (135), Skylar Larsen (130), Payten Giordino (115/120), Jessie Lopez (130/135), Isabella James (115), Samantah Munoz-Zapata (155)
Sophomores Malia Hi’ilei-Zehner (155) and Anel Torres-Alaniz (170) are also potential contributors.
“Our team is committed to honing our techniques, and we genuinely believe that our collective potential will keep us competitive throughout the season,” Duncan said. “Moreover, our strength lies in our ability to overcome adversity. Waynesville has a unique dynamic due to our military community, with many athletes coming and going. This often results in families being separated while striving for stability—all while maintaining strong connections. This shared reality has fostered resilience within our program, driving us to build a team that is relentless in pursuing our goals. Many of us face challenges, yet the bonds we share keep us focused, steadfast, and determined to succeed together.”
Waynesville’s varsity girls team opens the season on Dec. 6 at the Marshfield Duals.
