By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
Branson is due to have an Isringhausen on the mat for eight straight years, after the graduation of Kyshin Isringhausen last spring and the arrival of his younger brother, Ryzen, as a freshman this winter.
“We are very happy to have another Isringhausen,” Pirates coach Garrett Hawkins said.
Kyshin left a legacy as one of Branson’s all-time greats. He claimed four Class 3 State Tournament medals and was 165-13 for his career.
Expectations are for Ryzen to achieve his share of success, as well.
“(He) will be a freshman to watch out for this season,” Hawkins said. “Ryzen has been very successful at the youth level. He was a two-time COC Champ (in junior high) and placed fifth at this year’s Fall Brawl in the high school division. Ryzen will make a huge impact at the lower weights.”
Branson will be made up primarily of underclassmen, but the Pirates do welcome back a senior and returning state qualifier in TJ Storment. He was 30-11 at 150 pounds as a junior.
“We look forward to watching TJ continue to develop success,” Hawkins said.
Storment, Tommy Mutarlli and Sy Rosipal are Branson’s three seniors. Rosipal was 21-25 at 144 last season and Mutarlli 15-20 at 120.
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“It will be exciting to watch Tommy, Sy and TJ finish out their high school careers this year,” Hawkins said. “Tommy and Sy were a (win) away from the state tournament last year and are ready to make it happen this year. I expect TJ to follow up last year’s success by competing at a very high level this year, solidifying himself as one of the area’s top wrestlers.”
Hawkins anticipates a slew of newcomers in Branson’s lineup.
“We will be pretty young this year, with lots of freshmen and a few new upperclassmen,” he said.
On the girls side, Daphne Worley is fresh from her debut on the mat last season that saw her make State.
“Daphne had an amazing year last year as a first-year wrestler,” Hawkins said. “We look forward to watching her continue to develop success into her senior season.”
Other Lady Pirates with experience are Lilly Moore, Lucia Rosales, Cam Warner and Emma Menton.
“We have a pretty solid core of girls returning,” Hawkins said. “We are excited to (them) compete at a high level this season.”
Hawkins is counting on his seniors to lead the underclassmen.
“We have an opportunity for this year’s seniors to step up in some leadership roles,” Hawkins said. “TJ, Tommy and Sy, along with Daphne, Cam and Lucia are members of the Branson Pirate Leadership Council at the high school and we will look to them to step up in leadership roles.”
