The Carl Junction Bulldogs return a talented and experienced group entering the 2023-24 wrestling season.
Carl Junction features eight returning starters, including six returning state qualifiers, from last year’s squad that went 15-3 overall and captured a district championship.
In a stellar campaign, the Bulldogs also finished third at the Central Ozark Conference tournament and took sixth at the Class 3 state tourney.
It’s not hard to see why the expectations are set extremely high in Carl Junction.
“We are very excited about the upcoming season for this team,” Carl Junction coach Mike Frizzell said. “We have a lot of leadership coming back to the team and several kids with state experience. We have some holes to replace by losing three state-placing seniors, but we have some upcoming talent that should fit in nicely and compete for starting positions.”
Carl Junction senior Sam Melton was the state runner-up at 120 pounds last season. He enters the season as a two-time COC champ, a two-time district champ, a two-time state runner-up and a three-time academic all-state honoree.
Junior Tony Stewart was the state runner-up at 165 last year. Stewart is a two-time COC placer, was the district runner-up and earned academic all-state recognition last season.
Junior Carter Foglesong placed fourth at 106 pounds last season. Foglesong also earned conference and district titles and academic all-state honors.
Senior Max Matthews is a two-time state qualifier, advancing last season at 126. Matthews was the runner-up at the conference meet, third at the district tourney and earned academic all-state recognition.
Senior Dexter Merrell is another returning state qualifier, qualifying at 157 last winter. Merrell took third at both the COC and district tourneys and also earned academic all-state honors.
Sophomore Marcus Lopez-Durman advanced to state last year at 150 after finishing in his bracket at the district tourney.
Senior Brenden Berry (138) returns to the lineup after finishing third at last year’s COC tourney.
Sophomore Blake Starks (215) also returns after finishing seventh at last year’s COC tourney.
Frizzell listed senior Drake Richardson and sophomore Kale Trosper as other returning athletes who may contribute this winter.
“Experience is our No. 1 strength this season,” Frizzell said. “The leadership in the practice room is intense. They got a taste of it last year by winning a district title and coming so close to a state trophy. I look forward to seeing them perform at their max potential.”
Top newcomers are freshmen Aaron Dillingham and Josh Cassatt.
Carl Junction’s key losses to graduation include Lukas Walker, Chance Benford and Cayden Bollinger. All three concluded their prep careers at the state tourney. Walker placed fourth at 113 pounds, while Bollinger took sixth at 285.
Frizzell noted there’s a lot to like about this year’s team.
“With the experienced wrestlers we have leading this group of young men, I feel our incoming underclassmen have great role models to mirror after in the practice room and in the classroom with five academic all-state wrestlers back in the lineup this year,” Frizzell said.
Frizzell said there are some areas of concern heading into the season.
“We do have a few holes to fill throughout our lineup, but I do believe we have the talent in the room that will step up and have fantastic seasons,” he said. “Staying healthy is always a concern for a wrestling coach. These young men lay it all out there day in and day out and that can take its toll on the body, as well as the mind.”
Frizzell added the Bulldogs weren’t happy with how the state tournament ended last season, and that disappointment should provide some extra motivation this winter.
“Our expectations are very high coming off our first district championship in 25 years, but a disappointing sixth place state finish last February,” Frizzell said. “We would have finished in the top four and brought home a state trophy if not for some unforeseen circumstances that cost us 10 team points and dropped us to a sixth-place finish. We intend to improve on that mark and make a run at a state title in 2024.”
Carl Junction hosts Carthage on Nov. 28.
With that, the highly anticipated 2023-24 season will get underway.
“Our schedule is full of tough competition, plus our conference tournament usually looks like a mini state tournament,” Frizzell said. “If we can stay consistent and focused throughout the season, then good things will happen.”
