By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
All signs are that Kyshin Isringhausen will need another spot reserved for himself along Branson’s ‘Green Mile.’
The ‘Green Mile,’ as it is affectionately called by the Pirates due to the green turf along a hallway outside the school’s main gym, recognizes Branson athletes who have placed at state over the years.
Isringhausen has already been recognized along the ‘Green Mile’ for three state medals he has earned in wrestling and track. Entering his junior year on the mat, he’ll be going for gold.
Isringhausen won a bronze medal as a freshman two years ago and a silver medal as a sophomore last winter. He was a District and Sectional champ and finished with a 34-3 record. He lost 9-4 to Whitfield freshman Gavin Linsman in the Class 3 126 final.
“Kyshin is developing into one of the state’s top wrestlers,” coach Garrett Hawkins said. “He has continued to grow his wrestling over the spring, summer and fall by competing in multiple national-level events, camps, (and) off -season workouts. I expect him to compete at a very high level this season.”
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Isringhausen is looking to become only Branson’s second state wrestling champion.
“Isringhausen being in the finals last year was big for our program,” Hawkins said. “Kyshin is a great example to the rest of our squad showing what hard work, focus, and dedication earns you on the mat.
“We have a good mix of underclassmen with varsity experience along with some good upperclassmen,” Hawkins added.
Branson welcomes back TJ Storment and Cade Grimm after they enjoyed success last season.
Storment was 23-22 as a freshman at 138. He well one win short of State by taking fourth at Sectionals.
“(Storment) really turned it on at the end of the year,” Hawkins said. “With the experience gained last year, I believe TJ will be one of the top wrestlers in his weight class in the area.”
Grimm was 32-10 at 170 during his sophomore season.
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“Over the last two years, Cade has developed into a very physical wrestler,” Hawkins said. “After falling short of his goal last year, I expect Cade to bounce back with a balanced approach on the mat. I’m excited to see how (he) will continue to develop.”
Hawkins likes the potential of Conner Candler at 160 and Dawson Helms at 132 putting together their best season as seniors.
“Conner has developed his own unique style of wrestling that is exciting to watch,” Hawkins said. “I hope to see him surprise a lot of people. Dawson continues to improve year and after year. I look to see (him) as a contender on the mat this season.”
