Kickapoo finished sixth of nine teams at the Ozark Conference wrestling Tournament last season and qualified one wrestler for the state tournament.
Marquise Jacoby-Davis qualified at 285 pounds as a senior last year. His state qualifying season serves as an example for the current Kickapoo wrestlers.
“Any time we have a kid go to state it helps our program. The kids that don’t make it, get a taste of what it takes to make it, it gives them the drive to make it in the future,” coach Billy Buckley said. “Marquise worked really hard to make it and he fell a little short of a medal, but it was great for that kid and our program.”
The Chiefs return two wrestlers who placed at the Ozark Conference tournament. Tanner Raymond finished third at 120 pounds and PJ Walker was fourth at 195 pounds a year ago.
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Tanner Stoops, Tristen Upp, Will Ano’ai and Blake Chambers are other returning wrestlers who will lead Kickapoo. Buckley expects several freshmen to compete for varsity spots in the lower weights.
This year Buckley wants to see Kickapoo bump up a couple spots in the conference standings.
“We want to improve on our Conference finish from last year. Our conference is one of the strongest in the area and to finish high says a lot about your program,” Buckley said. “Our season goal is always qualifying kids to the state tournament, but we have a long time before that becomes the main focus, but it’s always in the back of our minds.”
Kickapoo opens its season with a triangular at 5:30 p.m. on Nov. 29 at home against Hillcrest and Glendale.
