With returning state qualifiers, varsity veterans and promising newcomers, the Carl Junction High School wrestling team has the expectations set high for the 2021-22 season.
The Bulldogs feature two returning state qualifiers, seven wrestlers who gained significant varsity action last winter and some freshmen who should contribute nicely.
“Given the amount of experienced wrestlers we have this year, we have high expectations of finishing in the top three at districts and the top five at the state championships in February,” Bulldogs coach Mike Frizzell said. “We will be very competitive in the lower weights this year. Our freshmen coming in have extensive experience at the state and national levels of competition. Overall experience will help this group of kids compete at a high level this year.”
Leading the way for Carl Junction will be Lukas Walker, a junior who placed fifth at 106 pounds at last year’s Class 3 state tournament. Walker, who went 34-5 as a sophomore, may wrestle at 113 this season.
Sophomore Sam Melton was a Class 4 state qualifier at 106 for Joplin last year and is now expected to be a key performer for the Bulldogs. Melton went 27-7 last season and could wrestle at 113 or 120.
Also back for the Bulldogs are sophomores Max Matthews (113/120) and Dexter Merrell (145/152), juniors Chance Benford (170/182) and Cayden Bolinger (195/220) and senior Kameron Bennett (285).
Matthews went 26-17 last year, Merrell was 30-14, Benford went 20-19, Bolinger was 25-14 and Bennett was 21-20. Merrell led the team with 26 pins last year.
Frizzell said freshmen Carter Fogelsong (106), Braxton Jones (152) and Tony Stewart (160) are newcomers who should contribute nicely. Stewart is a multiple-time Missouri USA Wrestling state champ.
Frizzell noted depth could be an area of concern.
“We will be thin throughout the lineup this season,” he said. “That means walking into every dual down six points. We will have to pick up bonus points at every opportunity in order to pick up team decisions.”
To Frizzell, the keys to a successful season are simple—staying healthy and continuing to improve.
“It’s a grind of a season, and we are not very deep in weight classes so staying healthy will be a major key to having a successful season,” Frizzell said. “I feel the mental aspect of wrestling is a huge factor, and we have made some great strides in the off-season to build our confidence coming into the 2021-2022 season.”
Carl Junction hosts Carthage on Nov. 30.
