By Kary Booher (For OzarksSportsZone.com)
When Marty Hauck arrived a few years ago to coach the Rolla High School wrestling program, he promised that he would challenge the Bulldogs to get better.
So imagine his excitement as the curtain rises on the 2021-2022 season. Months after the team had three state medalists, including a state champion, Hauck has kept his promise.
Just consider the schedule.
“We love our district and schedule. It is so highly competitive with some of the best wrestlers in the state,” Hauck said. “Last year we saw every state champion and runner up at least once. Which is what we want, to see and know where we need to be for a chance at the end of the season.
“We will be attending some out-of-state events and broadening our knowledge through that.”
DOWNLOAD THE O-ZONE APP NOW!
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FOR APPLE
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID
Projected roster
Rolla anticipates a packed room, with up to 100 wrestlers. Hauck anticipates nine returning starters, which includes three state qualifiers – two who were state medalists.
The projected roster could be freshman Austin Bramel at 106 pounds, followed by junior Braiden Squires (113), junior Kayden Kinder (120), senior Hunter Hoffman (126), sophomore Isaiah Duncan (132), senior Keegan Johnson (138) and senior Cameron Allen (145).
In the upper weights, look for junior Ben Perkins in the 152-pound weight class, followed by senior Andre Ridenhour (160), three guys at 170 in either senior Rodney Washington or juniors Kendall Johnson or Justin Waneka, junior Hayden Fane or senior Quinn Beaugard (182), juniors Gabe Sutton and Waylon Kinder (195), juniors Chance Mickem and Brennan Edwards (220) and senior Reiss Clark, junior Broc Owens and senior Luke Beaugard (285).
Ridenhour placed fifth at the state tournament in 2020. He finished 32-9 last season.
“He is one of our most explosive wrestlers,” Hauck said. “He loves to compete and continues to improve each year.”
Hayden Fane also placed fifth each of the past two seasons. He finished 38-4.
“His sophomore year, we pulled him from districts after he won his opening round due to an injury,” Hauck said. “Being healthy for himself and his future family is way more important than a state medal. He spent some time training this summer with our world team. We can’t wait to just enjoy him doing his thing on the mat.”
Other notables include Hoffman, who won 32 matches last season, along with Mickem (23 wins) and Owens (22 wins).
CLICK HERE FOR ALL OF THE WINTER SPORTS PREVIEWS
Goals
Said Hauck, “Our goals are simple: We want #REPS. We want to build our Relationships, Education, Passion, and Servant Leadership.”
To make that happen, Hauck even challenged his team during the offseason.
“We attended several clinics, camps and workouts with some of the nation’s best coaches and wrestlers at world team camps, national preparation camps, clinics and did some overseas training,” Hauck said.
He went on.
“After attending some of our national training events this summer, several of our kids gained confidence, and I can’t wait to see how that all plays out.”
Girls wrestling
Rolla’s girls team could be competitive, too.
The projected roster could have Ella Christopher at 102 pounds, followed by Bridgett Ragan (107), Kathryn Hirtz (112), Gracie Skyles (117), Gracie Clayton (122), Taylor Heimbaugh (127), Madison Dishman (132) and Allie Potter (137).
In the remaining weights, look for Rylea Poe (143), Kate Arnold (151), Ryan Garthoeffner (159), Haley Smith (174), Haily Lucas (195) and Molly Kell and Emma Stoltz (235).
“We have several who have put in time this offseason and look to have a great year,” Hauck said. “Taylor Heimbaugh is a tough wrestler who has really hit her stride this summer and is putting things together. The same with Ella Christopher. She went with Team Missouri at the Junior Duals and has come back and is putting in work.”
They aren’t the only ones.
“Gracie Clayton and Molly Kell have also been working hard this summer and fall,” Hauck said. “Gracie Skyles took fourth place at our sectional tournament last year, and we are hoping she can get that state appearance this year.”
