By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Republic boasts a handful of returnees whose resumes already include a Class 4 State Tournament berth or at least 30 wins last season.
With that kind of experience, along with a projected full lineup, the Tigers hope to be a strong contender in both duals and tournaments.
“One of our goals is to see improvement in our dual and tournament performances,” Republic coach Eric Nolan said. “It helps that we have a lot of returning experience that took advantage of a lot of off-season opportunities. (Last year), we were open at 106 and 113 (pounds). That put us at a disadvantage. It appears our lineup will be full this season. I anticipate that it will help us be more competitive.”
Republic’s tournament slate includes trips for the first time to the Leavenworth (Kansas) Invitational and Lee’s Summit Holiday Tournament, along with return trips to the Kinloch Classic, Hickman Invitational, COC Tournament and its own Republic Invitational
Sophomore Keaton Overcast enjoyed success as a freshman at 120 that included a 37-12 record and a third place finish at Districts that earned him a trip to State. He became Republic’s first freshman to make State since 2018.
Overcast will be at either 126 or 132 this season.
“Keaton had a great freshman season. It was impressive to see him contend for a state medal as a freshman, especially since it was only his third year participating in the sport,” Nolan said. “One of his goals is to reach the podium at the state tournament.”
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Maddox Wilkins was 32-12 while making the jump from 152 to 190 last season. He was a state qualifier at 152 two years ago.
“Maddox provides leadership to our upper weights,” Nolan said. “He’s a gifted athlete. We’re expecting a strong finish to his career.”
The rest of Republic’s lineup includes senior Phillip George (113, 120), junior Shea Rogers (126, 132), senior Braydin Casey (150, 157), junior Tanner Gonzales (157, 165), senior Manning Wilkins (157, 165), junior Chase Hicks (165, 175), sophomore Izaiah Hull (165,175) and sophomore Masen Hartsock (215, 285).
“We have high expectations for the entire lineup,” Nolan said.
George has rejoined the Tigers for his senior year. He sat out last season, after qualifying for State as a sophomore.
“He will fill an important spot in our lineup,” Nolan said. “He will add valuable leadership to our lightweights.”
Hicks was 36-9 at 165 last season and Manning Wilkins 33-7 at 157.
Republic welcomes freshmen Aydin Walker, Corbin Massey, Greg Hicks, Ethan Montiel and Jaxston Feuerborn. They have all qualified or mediated at youth state tournaments.
“We have a strong class of freshmen that bring some quality experience,” Nolan said.
Republic’s girls bring back Anna McBroom (115, 120) and Emily Carter (130, 135).
Milli Waterman (105, 110) joins the Lady Tigers after transferring from Parkview.
“McBroom and Waterman are both multi-sport athletes, and we hope to continue that trend through recruiting,” Nolan said “We saw a lot of positive growth with the girls program last season. Our goals are to continue that growth and start qualifying girls for the state tournament.”
This is Nolan’s third season at Republic and he can point to many examples of how the Tigers’ program is headed upward.
“I feel like we’re seeing improvement in multiple phases of the program,” Nolan said. “Our youth, middle school and high school numbers have increased, along with the number of those participating in off-season opportunities. We still have a long way to go. But I feel that we’re heading in the right direction.”
