Chris Lowe takes over as the head coach of the Reeds Spring wrestling program. Lowe is an experienced coach who had stints at Sikeston and Carthage.
Reeds Spring was a draw for the veteran coach for many reasons.
“I like the area. The lakes is always a good draw as you get older in life and look for a place to retire. I really enjoy the school here. It is very nice and the administration is very good to me,” Lowe said.
His new team put in a good summer in preparation for the winter season.
“We have had some pretty good workouts over the summer,” Lowe said. “We have had good numbers. The coaches and the staff have really worked hard to give the kids availability to the room to make them better.”
Senior Clayton Johnson will be Reeds Spring’s top wrestler after he finished third place at 170 pounds at the state tournament last year. He posted a 30-3 record in the process.
“Clayton seems pretty focused. He has a goal. He wants to do better than he did last year,” Lowe said. “I think he is very driven to improve on himself and help lead the team.”
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Fifth place finisher Eric Holt also returns. Holt finished fourth in his district, but had a strong state tournament at 120 pounds to earn a medal and finish with a 38-9 record.
“Eric has worked real hard in the offseason in the weight room. He has put on a lot of muscle,” Lowe said. “He has wrestled a lot this summer. He is always in the room working hard. He should be a good leader for us.”
Chase Johnson is Reeds Spring’s final returning qualifier. He earned a trip to state at 120 pounds.
“I think he is going to do well. I think he is going to wrestle hard and compete. If things go well hopefully he will improve on his mark last year and be a state placer,” Lowe said.
Senior-freshman brothers Kayden and Rocky Love will also be key factors for the Wolves this year.
Lowe has adjusted the schedule to help Reeds Spring prepare for the postseason.
“We are looking forward to getting started and getting after it. We have bumped our schedule up this year. We have added some bigger schools to hopefully get us where we want to be for districts,” Lowe said.
He will be looking to instill an identity of grit and toughness with his team.
“For six minutes, or if we go extra, we are going to battle the whole time,” Lowe said. “We are going to wrestle hard and compete and take something from every match to improve on.”
