By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Monett junior Simon Hartline will resume his bid for a second Class 1 State Tournament championship, after falling a couple wins short of repeating as a champion last season.
Hartline was first at 106 pounds as a freshman and fourth at 120 as a sophomore.
“I think Simon understands now how hard winning a second state title is,” Cubs coach Ben Hohensee said. “Coming up short last year will help us motivate him to get back to the top.”
Hohensee is confident Hartline’s consistent low-key approach will allow him to stay on the right mental track.
“The good thing about Simon is that he is such a relaxed kid and doesn’t overthink things too much,” Hohensee said. “My expectations for him are to just finish matches and let it fly. If he wrestles free-minded, he will make another title run this season.”
Hartline figures to continue his upward trend in regard to the weight class he will compete.
“Simon will most likely end up at 126 or 132, depending on how we feel as the season progresses,” Hohensee said.
Aidan Branch will likely be at 120, Kash Adams at 145, Aidan McCall at 215 and Porter Reed at 285.
Hohensee thinks Reed and Branch can blossom.
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“Porter is an athletic big kid with good feet,” Hohensee said. “He has gotten stronger this off-season. Expectations for him are to be on the (State) podium at the end of the season. I also expect him to be a leader for this young team.
“Aidan is a kid that if he comes out confident, he is dangerous and can compete at the state level,” Hohensee added. “He will be expected to work harder than ever before in order to reach these goals.”
Newcomers to Monett’s lineup are Caleb Farris (190) and Aidan McCall (215).
“Caleb is new to our program, but has good knowledge of the sport,” Hohensee said. “Aidan has gotten reps on both JV and varsity the past two years. This year, he will be expected to fill a varsity spot. I look forward to seeing his progression as the season goes on.”
Girls Wrestling
The girls team returns two state qualifiers from last season in Kayrie Burdett and Mary Jastal. Burdett lost in the bubble match at state in overtime to just miss out on a medal. Jastal fell in the second round wrestleback.
“Being that close to medaling has motivated both of these girls to get to the next level,” Monett girls coach Justin Semerad said. “I fully expect both of these young ladies to place this year. They are extremely hard workers and push each other in the practice room.”
Four freshmen join the team this year.
Lexi Sullivan will wrestle around 155 or 170.
“She’s (Sullivan) wrestled the last couple years at the middle school,” Semerad said. “She is a strong, athletic girl still figuring out wrestling. We’ve seen flashes of it in the room. She’ll be a tough out as she gets more mat time.”
Arianna Galarsa will be at 145 or 155.
“She was active this off season and continues to grow,” Semerad said. “She’s tough minded and doesn’t mind putting in hard work.”
Mariyah Aceves will be at 120 or 125.
“She (Aceves) is a very athletic young lady,” Semerad said. “She will be wrestling at the 125/120 weight class. I’m excited by what I have seen from her the last week. I can’t wait for her to get some matches under her belt.”
Natalie Canales is a first-year wrestler.
“Natalie Canales is a first year wrestler who decided to try wrestling,” Semerad said. “The fact that she has stuck with it and seems to enjoy the grind of wrestling is a good sign.”
This group will look to build off a record-setting postseason showing from last winter.
“Last year we qualified four girls for state, the most in program history,” Semerad said. “Our two juniors are hungry to get back to Columbia and bring back a medal. My expectation for the four freshman won’t necessarily be measured in wins and losses, but rather in their growth as wrestlers. If they trust the process and work hard, who knows what will happen in February.”
Monett’s tournament trail includes the Cassville Tournament, Harrisonville Tournament, Kinloch Classic, Branson Tournament, Monett Tournament, Oak Grove Tournament and Big Eight Tournament.
