For the first time in more than two decades, there’s a new man in charge of the Carthage High School wrestling program.
Entering the 2023-24 season, Nate Kelly is the new head coach of the Carthage Tigers.
A former assistant coach in the program, Kelly has been elevated to head coach after Kenny Brown retired from coaching at the conclusion of last season. Brown had led the Tigers for 21 years.
“I’m looking forward to my first year as head coach, and I am thankful for the leadership of the juniors and seniors on this team,” Kelly said. “They have helped so much in this transition, and I wouldn’t be able to do it without them and my coaching staff. I have also learned so much from Coach Kenny Brown, who I wrestled for and coached alongside, so I’m confident this season will be a success.”
The Tigers, who went 8-3 in duals last year, will feature a pair of returning state qualifiers this season—senior Bradyn Tate and junior Tanner Putt.
Tate is a returning state medalist, as he finished sixth at 132 pounds at last year’s Class 4 state tourney. Tate went 48-8 last winter and has already surpassed 100 career wins ahead of his senior season (104-26).
Putt advanced to state at 106 pounds as a sophomore and finished the campaign with a record of 30-15.
Four other key performers return to the lineup.
Senior Alexander Salas-Marquez (215) is back after missing most of last season due to an injury.
Juniors Grady Huntley, Aydan Nye and David Recinos are also expected to contribute nicely.
Huntley went 28-16 at 120 last year, ending the season in the bubble round of the district tournament. Nye went 18-11 at 126 as a sophomore, while Recinos went 27-12 at heavyweight last winter.
Kelly noted his returning performers will be expected to lead the way.
“The leadership within the team will be crucial to our success this year,” Kelly said. “Our numbers continue to increase year after year, so having wrestlers who are confident in stepping up and holding their teammates accountable helps us manage such a large group. I’m also thankful for the team unity this group has already developed that will help us when competitions start.”
Carthage lost six senior starters to graduation—Kip Castor, Grey Petticrew, Trey Nye, Davion King, Esvin Gonzalez and Gabe Lambeth. King took fourth at 165 at last year’s state tourney and Petticrew finished sixth at 150.
With those losses to the lineup, the Tigers will feature a number of varsity newcomers this season.
“I’m expecting a season of growth,” Kelly said. “We graduated a big group of starters, so we have many guys who have been waiting for their chance at varsity that they are going to get this season. We also have a great group of athletic freshmen who just need to hone their technique.
“We plan to implement mindset training this year to help our athletes respond to the emotions that come with a wrestling match.”
The Tigers, who will also have a girls team this season, open the season on Nov. 28 at Carl Junction.
