Cassville girls wrestling will have a couple holes to fill this season after graduating state champion Faith James and state placer Hailey Roark from last season’s team.
“Faith James and Hailey Roark leave an incredible legacy for the Cassville girls’ wrestling program,” Cassville girls head coach Casey Parsons said. “Their achievements—Faith’s state championship at 135 and Hailey’s fourth-place finish at 140—highlight not just individual talent, but also the foundation they’ve helped build for the team. Faith and Hailey have raised the bar for setting a high standard, their accomplishments will inspire younger wrestlers in Cassville to dream big and push themselves further. Also, their accomplishments have strengthened the reputation of our girls wrestling program. In short, Faith and Hailey’s legacy is one of excellence, inspiration, and foundation-building. They’ve shown what’s possible through hard work and will leave a lasting imprint on the Cassville girls’ wrestling program for years to come.”
A pair of seniors return to lead the team in Rebekah Fry and Saige Holman.
“We will look for two returning seniors to step up and lead our team this year, Rebekah Fry and Saige Holman,” Parsons said. “Rebekah wrestled in the 155 weight class last year and will fall in our lineup this year in the 145 or 155 weight class. She has just missed qualifying for state the last two years, so she is looking to punch her ticket this year. Saige was in our lineup at 140 behind Hailey Roark last year, so she looks to wrestle the 140 weight class this year. Rebekah and Saige bring great work ethic and leadership skills to our team.”
Riley Stumpff, Isabella Bauman, Alexis Lopez, Jackelin Cervantes, Analeigh Winchell, Heather Hall, and Delight Otto are other varsity wrestlers returning to the lineup and looking to make an impact.
“Junior Riley Stumpff will fill the 100-lb weight class, and sophomores Bauman and Lopez will settle in around 105 lb to 115 lb,” Parsons said. “These three have worked hard in the off-season, and we are looking to see them make an impact this year. Jackelin Cervantes will return around the 120lb class. Sophomore Analeigh Winchell only got to wrestle half of a year last season, so we are looking for her to make her statement at 155 or 170. Junior Heather Hall and Sophomore Delight Otto will return to wrestle this year in the 190lb and 235lb positions.”
Freshman Allison Deaver will wrestle in the lower weights after gaining experience wrestling in youth and middle school.
“This lineup of girls greatest strength lies in its combination of youth, hard work, and leadership. With a young roster, the team has high growth potential, as younger wrestlers are often eager to prove themselves and quick to adapt to new strategies. Their drive to improve, fueled by a strong work ethic, means they’ll continuously push themselves in practice and matches, developing skills and resilience over time. The energy of youth in this team of girls, paired with a relentless competitive spirit, allows the girls to wrestle at a high tempo and overcome challenges, while their adaptability gives them the flexibility to adjust to different match situations,” Parsons said. “The leadership on the team plays a crucial role in guiding this youthful energy and helping maintain focus and discipline. Strong leaders, whether veterans or emerging wrestlers, set the tone both on and off the mat, ensuring that the team remains united, accountable, and mentally tough as a group and individually. This leadership fosters an environment of trust and communication among the girls and coaches. With a strong foundation built on hard work, drive, and leadership, this team has the potential for sustained success, developing into state medalists and champions as the young core matures and their chemistry continues to grow.”
