Willard wrestling features 26 boys and 16 girls this season.
Leading the returning wrestlers is Porter Talbot. Talbot is a two-time state placer with a runner-up finish from two seasons ago.
“Porter has been training and made the all-tournament team at the junior duals and just placed second at preseason nationals,” Willard head coach Jeff Davis said. “I fully expect Porter to compete for a state championship.”
Gunner Puryear is a returning state qualifier and will be at 157 or 165. Gabe Grisham (106), Wyatt Sweeten (120-126), Zack Welly (126-132), Liam Coan (144), Greyson Walden (165-175) and Kade Shurtz (165-175) als return.
“The wrestlers that I listed above have all put in a great deal of time this offseason and have made improvement,” Davis said.
Freshman Brandeon Gearhart will look to find varsity mat time at 113 pounds.
The Willard boys kick off the season at the Neosho Tournament on Dec. 6.
On the girls’ side, four returning state placers are listed on the roster.
Ellie Higginbotham was the state champion at 155 pounds last season. She had a record of 41-2 as a sophomore. Juniors Adia Hull and Emily Brixey both earned third place finishes last season. Hull was at 130 pounds posting a 41-10 record while Brixey had a 31-8 record overall at 170 pounds. Moore, a senior, placed sixth at 190 pounds with a 29-14 record overall.
The Willard girls open the season on Dec. 5 at the Bolivar Tournament.
