When Lucas Smith joined the staff of Waynesville High School’s wrestling program a dozen years ago, it was at the height of the Iraq War, which had a profound effect on families at nearby Fort Leonard Wood.
This year marks the second for Herman, who had a tough act to follow when he got the job. For nine years, it belonged to Patrick Darby, the 2015 Ozark Conference Coach of the Year who has since gone on to coach high school in wrestling-mad Iowa.
Over the years, Ozark Tigers wrestling has been competitive. The usual storyline was that several would qualify for the state tournament, some would place and one or two would come home with championship hardware.
Given none of his wrestlers placed at the state tournament last year – and that the program opened a new room last season, too – Nixa High School wrestling coach Dustin Martin didn’t change his offseason strategy.
As wrestling has gained a foothold in the Ozarks, one program to keep tabs on is one out in Webster County. That’s where coach Matt Holt and the Marshfield Blue Jays are trying to build a winner.
Republic returns only two state qualifiers in junior Hunter Pyle, likely to compete in the 195-pound weight class, and sophomore Michael Taylor, who may return to 106.
An inexperienced Branson lineup ran into an Arkansas buzzsaw Tuesday night in a season-opener for both teams.
Harrison wasted little time racing out to a big lead in an overwhelming victory.
When the game is on the line, you want the ball in the hands of your leader.
And for the Pleasant Hope Pirates, those hands belong to senior guard Jordan Hillenburg.
The Rogersville Lady Wildcats overcame a lethargic first half to defeat the Mansfield Lady Lions on Tuesday night. Both teams were without key players due to injury; Sarah Jordan for Rogersville and Alexis James for Mansfield. Rogersville went 13 for 14 from the free throw line in the fourth quarter to secure the win.