When the Lebanon school district opened a new middle school this year, it had a significant impact on the wrestling programs throughout the town. All of it positive, of course.
When Kenneth Brown took over as the wrestling coach at Carthage High School, only 17 students turned out. In mid-October this year, some 64 already had signed up.
It’d be all too easy to miscast this season’s Monett Cubs wrestling teams, if by looking only at last year’s finish. After all, the tradition-rich program finished ninth in the Class 2 state tournament.
Of all the news that caused trembles in southwest Missouri wrestling last season, one caught the eyes of many: The Buffalo Bison got bumped down from Class 2 to Class 1.