By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Logan-Rogersville coach Jason Carter is in his 23rd season on the job and the challenges of the sport have him as motivated as ever.
“This sport teaches students accountability as much as any sport that there is,” Carter said. “One-on-one and no one to blame. Also, every kid faces adversity in wrestling in some way. Wrestling teaches kids to face and overcome adversity.”
Rogersville is led by Jackson Snider. He projects to make a jump of at least two weight classes while competing somewhere between 150-165 pounds. Last season at 138, Snider was 37-12 and made the Class 2 State Tournament. He was 24-21 as a freshman, while also making State at 138.
“He is definitely on track to be a four-time (State) qualifier,” Carter said. “We are looking to put him high on the podium this year. Jackson has put in time in the weight room and spent time tweaking those little things that can be a difference-maker at the end of the year.”
Wildcats senior Kolbey Ballowe qualified State while going 25-14 at 195 last season. Carter is hoping Ballowe’s success in football will carry over to the mat. Ballowe rushed for 853 yards and had 81 tackles this fall.
“After a great football season, Kolbey could come in at 195 or 215,” Carter said. “He lifted hard in the off-season and has unfinished business from last year. We have high expectations for him.”
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Rowen Homburg, a junior, fell one win short of advancing to State last year.
“Rowen made the ‘blood round’ at Districts last year and is capable of big things this year,” Carter said. “He is dangerous and can pin anyone at any time.”
“Braxton Yost is also a returning junior that has really matured,” Carter added. “He has grown physically and mentally and should be a force.”
Sophomores Charlie Packard and Aidrik White return after gaining varsity experience last season.
“Charlie and Aidirk took some lumps as freshmen,” Carter said. “This should be a year for them (to) return the favor to their opponents.”
Another sophomore, Keziah Queen, is hoping to bounce back from an injury-riddled freshman season.
“Keziah spent most of last year on the sidelines with a knee injury,” Carter said. “He is healthy and ready to go this year.”
Freshman Zion Hibbert and Broderick Zimmerman are coming off successful junior high careers.
On the girls side, a handful of Lady Wildcats are expected to suit up.
Rogersville’s tournament trail will take the Wildcats to Union, Claremore, Oklahoma, Monett, Republic and Odessa.
