By Kary Booher (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
It’s hard to believe, but Brian Pyck has been coaching the Central High School wrestling program since 2005.
Over the years, the Bulldogs have seen success here and there, and Pyck doesn’t even have to say anything to his wrestlers for motivation as the season gets under way. He can just point out that Brandon Williams, a senior last year, turned his career into a wrestling scholarship at Central Methodist University.
Now Central’s eyes are on seniors Gabe Fletchall and Jerry Gaylor to lead the room. Pyck anticipates having 35 on the roster, including seven returning starters – one of them being a state qualifier.
“We would like to qualify at least three wrestlers for the state tournament, have at least two placers, and beat all the Springfield schools in duals this year,” Pyck said.
Fletchall will wrestle at 195 pounds, while Gaylor should be at 132. Fletchall is the returning state qualifier.
“He has been working out at Drury University all summer to improve for this season and has been working hard in the weight room as well to improve his strength,” Pyck said. “We are excited to have him and Gaylor leading the team this year.”
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Fletchall apparently has been pulling double-duty, too.
“With Fletchall being the only Springfield returning state qualifier — and also coaching the first Springfield Girls MSHSAA state qualifier last year — I think it has help motivate our team in the right direction,” Pyck said.
Said Gaylor, “Trips to Drury helped me build my knowledge, but the workouts help me push my shape to a level to achieve them.”
The rest of the projected roster include freshman in the first four light weights — Griffin Ray (106), William Goode (113), Elijah Dalan (120) and Gaven Bremenkamp. Sophomore Max Skolnick-Schur (138), freshman Julian Horn (145) and sophomore Sam Robertson (152) also could see varsity time.
In the upper weights, there’s sophomore Aydin Waterland (170), junior Josh Roberts (220) and freshman John Horvath (285).
Bremenkamp was a state qualifier in the USA Wrestling kids tournament last season. Waterland was a medalist in the conference tournament.
“Aydin Waterland, Chance Maples, and Max Skolnick-Schur have also been training regularly at Drury University this summer, and we have seen a big improvement in their wrestling,” Pyck said.
Pyck notes that his potential “sleepers” are Bremenkamp, Dalan, Catherine Dutton (182) and Julian Horn. They have been part of the Bulldogs Wrestling Club for three years.
“We are excited to have these freshmen with USA Wrestling experience joining our lineup this year,” Pyck said. “Catherine was on the Missouri National Freestyle Team for three years and competed nationally so we are expecting her to make a statement as a freshman in the MSHSAA all-girls competitions.”
Assistants this season are Mike Fletchall and Connor Loderhose, who was a state medalist for Willard High School and competed for Drury University.
Central also has received help from the school district.
“Thanks to (athletic director) Josh Scott and SPS Athletics, we have had big improvements in our weight room at Central this summer, which has really motivated the team,” Pyck said.
