By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Branson coach Garrett Hawkins boasts a terrific trio he thinks could further establish themselves this season.
“Excitement and anticipation for this season is high,” Hawkins said.
Seniors Kyshin Isringhausen and Cade Grimm already have made multiple trips to State and brought home medals, while Tommy Mutarelli qualified for State for the first time last season.
Isringhausen was third at State at 132 pounds as a junior.
“Kyshin shows great leadership on and off the mat,” Hawkins said. “He is one of the state’s top wrestlers. He has continued to grow his wrestling over the spring/summer/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.”
Isringhausen has committed to continue his career at Drury.
Grimm was fourth at State at 170 as a junior.
“Cade is continuing to develop into a very physical wrestler,” Hawkins said. “I expect him to continue to excel on the mat and into one of the top wrestlers in the area this year.”
Murarelli made State at 120 as a sophomore last season.
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“Tommy really turned it on at the end of the year,” Hawkins said. “With the experience he gained last year at State, I believe Tommy will be one of the top wrestlers in his weight class in the area this year.”
Hawkins is hoping TJ Storment can gain what has been an elusive first State berth.
“TJ has just fallen short of State the last couple years. I look forward to seeing him turn it on this year and have a breakout season on the mat,” Hawkins said.
Hawkins thinks Chase Ruda’s experience on the football field this fall will carry over onto the mat.
“Chase has been a varsity wrestler the last couple seasons (who) continues to improve year after year. He started at middle linebacker this season and has gotten a lot more physical. I look to Chase as a contender.”
Branson welcomes back former Pirates head coach Mickey Pitman as its junior high coach. Pitman’s arrival helped the junior high program double its numbers from last season to 75 wrestlers.
“Our Branson Youth club is continuing to grow with lots of great young wrestlers and families getting involved,” Hawkins said.
Greg Bettis takes over as Branson’s head girls coach.
“He did a great job building the junior high program the last couple years and will do a great job developing our girls program,” Hawkins said.
