In a season of ups and downs for the Tiger Wrestling team, last Tuesday’s meet with the Bolivar Liberators ended in a 48-21 victory for Carthage. The Liberators have been plagued by the same illnesses that seem to have invaded all of the southwest Missouri region, and came into the competition with five open weight classes.
Head Coach Kenny Brown’s Tigers stepped on the mat with a new gameplan and a chance to redeem themselves after the recent loss to Ozark.
“Basically, we talk about what we saw that was good (in the dual) and areas where we saw we were deficient. Then we try and come up with a practice plan to address those weaknesses,” said Brown. “By going into each match with an individualized game plan, you can tell that they are more confident. That confidence in what THEY are planning on doing in a match shows in how they are able to execute technique against an opponent.”
This has been especially important when dealing with many of the members of the lineup out for injury or illness.
“Staying healthy is always the biggest struggle. Every wrestling coach just wants their boys to be healthy going into the State series. Strangely, I think that we are relatively lucky with this right now. Most of my kids have already gotten what has been going around, so hopefully we won’t have to worry about it for the rest of the season. Honestly, the boys have done a great job rolling with the punches. Probably better than the coaching staff has. The JV boys could easily be intimidated by being thrust into the varsity lineup, but that hasn’t been the case. They realize that the team needs their contribution and they have all been willing to step up to the challenge,” Coach Brown stated. “Obviously our goal is the Same as the beginning of the year. Continue to improve and give ourselves the best possible chance for success in the State series.”
Coach Brown also noted the team’s commitment to success.
“I just saw a completely different team on the mat than what I saw against Ozark. We were aggressive up and down the lineup, even in our losses. Braxdon Tate’s loss stands out to me. He wrestled a very tough opponent and lost in a close decision. We had two takedowns that we just barely missed getting, and that would have changed the complexion of the match.” The change in approach resulted in some very close decisions, even in losses.
While victory may not always be the result, Coach Brown notes that success almost always comes when hard work is put in and the kids enjoy what they are doing. He says this is especially important for parents of new wrestlers to understand.
“First, they (the kids)need to have fun doing it. If they aren’t having fun, they aren’t going to give their all. Consequently, they won’t get the results they desire. Second, both parents and wrestlers have to be completely bought in to it. Wrestlers can’t get better if they aren’t here. Both parties(parents and wrestlers) have to be committed to it.”
Supportive teammates and supportive parents can often be the key to a successful season, and something that Coach Brown notes as a cornerstone to 50 successful years of Carthage Wrestling.
Carthage—48
Bolivar—21
Individual Results
Weight—Name—Grade—Season Record
106—Aydan Nye—9—(4-2)
Won by forfeit
113—Alberto Sales—10—(1-0)
Won by forfeit
120—Antoni Sales—10—(1-5)
Won by forfeit
126—Bradyn Tate—10—(16-6)
Won by fall in 1:25 over Maddux NeSmith
132—OPEN
Double Forfeit
138—Eli Sneed—12—(20-1)
Won by fall in 4:22 over Chance Hensley
145—Grey Petticrew—11—(13-4)
Won by fall in 3:05 over Jake Banner
152—Braxdon Tate—12—(18-3)
Lost by decision 2-5 to Riley Beckman
160—Davion King—11—(19-2)
Won by fall in 0:38 over Evan Hendrickson
170—Gabe Lambeth—11—(7-8)
Lost by decision 6-13 to Trey Brewer
182—Brett Rockers—12—(4-2)
Won by forfeit
195—Landyn Collins—9—(0-2)
Lost by fall in 1:04 to Blake Goodman
220—OPEN
Forfeit to Izik Simms
285—Jesua Coquij—10—(1-3)
Lost by decision 1-8 to Cael McCullah
Junior Varsity Results
152—Trey Nye—11—(12-2)
Won by fall in 5:09 over Payton Campbell
152—Matthew Bysor—9—(2-0)
Won by fall in 3:15 over Payton Campbell
170—Grant Lasley—12—(8-1)
Won by fall in 1:04 over Tristen Oliveira
170—Esvin Gonzalez—11—(11-2)
Won by fall in 0:56 over Tristen Oliveira
170—Bryce Guzman—9—(0-2)
Lost by fall in 5:55 to Hayden Stamboldjiev
