By Pat Dailey (For OzarkSportsZone.com)
During his quest for a state championship and since he lived out that dream, Ryzen Isringhausen has impressed Branson coach Garrett Hawkins by displaying the same relentless work ethic.
Isringhausen became only the Pirates’ second state champion in program history by claiming the Class 3 106-pound title while compiling a 47-1 record as a freshman last season.
“I expect Ryzen to approach his sophomore season just like he approaches every season, with hard work, dedication, and focus,” Hawkins said. “Ryzen has been wrestling at a high level for many years. He knows what it takes to maintain his level of competitiveness and success and is excited to get started this season.”
Isringhausen is the headliner of a slew of Branson underclassmen who will fill out the majority of the Pirates’ lineup.
“Our men’s squad in general will be a bit on the younger side this year, with lots of sophomores and juniors,” Hawkins said. “Although young, this year’s team has a lot of varsity experience, and we are looking forward to stepping on the mat.”
The Isringhausens seem well on their way to solidifying themselves as the Pirates’ first family of wrestling. Freshman Zayden Isringhausen is next in line to begin his career as an immediate-impact type. Kyshin Isringhausen, a 2023 Branson grad, was a four-time state qualifier.
“We will be blessed with another Isringhausen,” Hawkins said. “Zayden will be a freshman to watch out for. Zayden has been very successful at the youth level, (placing) fourth at USA State last year and he was also a COC (junior high) champ last year.”
Other underclassmen of note are Isaih King, Hunter Thiemann, Carson Ruda, Beau Storment, Caleb Curbelo, and Adrian Sanchez.
Thiemann was 25-20 at 120 as a freshman last year, while King 21-19 at 113 as a freshman. Ruda was 22-24 at 138.
Bransons two returning seniors are Beau Storment and Gael Navarro. Storment was 22-19 at 144 last season.
The Lady Pirates will feature an intriguing combination of veterans and newcomers.
“We are excited for this year’s girls team,” Hawkins said. “We will be reloading our girls squad with a lot of varsity caliber and experienced wrestlers, as well as adding some experienced freshmen to the list.”
The Lady Pirates welcome back Lilly Moore, Andrea Menjivar, Karen Keener, Priya Raghani, Lucia Rosales, Alexus Emeric, Cali Larch and Natalie Gaytan.
Freshmen include Alyssa Salemie, Harper Farley, and Keziah Moore. “Alyssa brings a lot of experience as a freshman,” Hawkins said. “She has been very successful at the youth, and junior high levels over the years, with multiple USA state finishes and junior high COC championships under her belt. She finished second at this year’s Fall Brawl.”
Branson’s tournament trail will take the Pirates to Neosho, Harrisonville, Monett and Pacific, in addition to their own Branson Tournament, the Kinloch Classic and the Ozark Mountain Conference Tournament.
