By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Eben Crain is one of six Reeds Spring wrestlers with more than 20 wins from a year ago who the Wolves welcome back for what looms as a much anticipated winter this season.
Crain, a 285-pounder, is fresh from a 43-9 record and a state qualification.
“Eben is just a pure tough wrestler through and through,” coach Chris Lowe said. “He has a combined record of 90-20 in his first three years. I look for Eben to be extremely tough and physical this year.”
Shane Pearson finished his freshman season last year with a 32-11 record.
“Shane is a very strong competitor and works year-round to become a better wrestler,” Lowe said.
Josh Lowe put together a 27-9 record as a junior.
“Josh shows great desire and understanding of the sport,” Chris Lowe said. “I look for great things to come from Josh.”
Sebastian Michaud put up a 25-21 record as a sophomore.
“Sebastian was a first-year wrestler who started figuring out the sport as the season progressed,” Lowe said. “His potential to be great is there.”
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Nick Rogers was 24-23 as a junior.
“Nick is an extremely athletic kid who as the year progressed started to see his potential as a wrestler and leader for our team,” Lowe said.
Ashton Plumlee was 22-21 as a freshman.
“Ashton got better as the season went on and pushed through some injuries at Districts to make it to the bubble round,” Lowe said. “He is a tough kid who desires to be the best and win at everything he does.”
Lucas Wattenbarger nearly won 20 matches, as well. He finished with a 19-15 record.
“Lucas is a very driven individual who has great things coming in his wrestling future,” Lowe said.
Other returnees who posted a winning record last season are Spencer Michaud (11-6) and Landon Irvin (10-9).
“Spencer is a tough kid, but enters the year with an injury that will limit his mat time this season,” Lowe said. “Landon shows great promise for the future.”
Reeds Spring also brings back Zach Preston, Trace Haddock and Bobby Carlile. Lowe thinks Carlile can serve as an inspiration for all the Wolves.
“Bobbee was a first-time wrestler (last year) who through pure hard work and determination worked to earn everything,” Lowe said. “Bobby is vital to our program to show all of us what hard work and desire can do.”
Lowe reports the Wolves will feature 15 freshmen.
“I think that all of them can compete for varsity positions as the year goes on,” he said. “Our middle school program under the direction of coach (Shane) Corporon and coach (Tate) Johnson is really raising the level of freshmen wrestlers we have received the last two years.”
Lowe is confident the Wolves’ work ethic will help them reach their goals.
“All of our returners share the same desire and goal of getting better each and every day,” Lowe said. “Our motto has always been ‘Embrace the Grind’ because wrestling is a long hard grind and you have to prepare yourself for it. I feel that our senior leadership will follow in the steps of last year’s seniors and lead the team in the right direction.
“Our schedule and District are second to none in the state,” he added. “Everyone knows that we have to make sacrifices to put ourselves in a position to compete and get out of our District.”
