NEOSHO, Mo. — Despite graduating six grapplers from a squad that went 11-0 a season ago, Neosho wrestling still has plenty of experience returning for the upcoming 2021-22 season.
“My goal for this team is to put the time and effort in to reach the goals they have set for themselves and our team,” Neosho coach Jeremy Phillips said to SoMo Sports. “Take the proper ownership for us to make our goals a reality. In the end, I want to have no regrets and look back on the progress we made and be proud. I expect for us to work, grow and overcome adversities, and as a result—live up to our motto by the end and be tough.”
The Wildcats lost six seniors from last year’s squad that totaled a record of 160-32 as well as one state title and three second-place finishes from a year ago. But, with the Neosho program consistently proving the ability to produce no matter the circumstances, it’s no surprise the Wildcats have several returners with plenty of success in their prep careers to lead the way for the upcoming season.
“Our experience definitely lies in the tradition of Neosho wrestling,” Phillips said. “We will continue to work from the top to the bottom of our lineup to be competitive and contribute to the goals of our team.”
The top returners for Neosho are juniors Eli Zar, Raymond Hembree, Hayden Crane and Trent Neece.
Zar, a junior wrestling at 160/170, finished with a 36-8 record a year ago and finished second place at the state meet, while Hembree, also a junior, finished 41-7 last season and also earned a second-place showing at state while wrestling at 120 pounds. Crane, a senior, wrestles at 132-138 and is coming off a 39-10 record from a year ago that included a third-place finish at state. Neece, a senior who competes at 152/160 finished 31-12 last season while taking first in districts and qualifying for the state tournament .
“There are always question marks,” Phillips said. “We are working with high school kids—much more than technique that has to be addressed to be successful. I never want to doubt but you never know until you start competing and see exactly what areas need the most attention. I always say we must be hungry (passionate to improve) and healthy to be where we want to be in the end.”
Also expected to make an impact for Neosho at the varsity level this year are seniors Nate Copeland (145 pounds; 20-20 record last season), Cade Daniel (170/182; 9-11) and Eric Renner (220; 12-12), junior Collyn Kivett (170/182; 22-8), sophomores Jonny Chrisco (126/132; 18-22) and Jack Lankford (126/132; 9-2) as well as freshmen Fisher Butler (113), Logan Cass (106), Trey Hardin (152/160) and Bostyn Patterson (145/152).
Neosho opens the season with the 34th Annual Neosho Wrestling Tournament on Dec. 4.
