Last year, the wrestling team lost two seniors: Nolan Jones and Nate Bowman. Nolan “NoJo” Jones was the only one to wrestle at state, thus leading to him wrestling in college. NoJo left the team, but not without leaving an impression behind. He left an image on what it takes to be at the top, and what sacrifices are needed to stay there. His commitment to the team and style of training will stay prominent for years to come. 

It will be hard to beat the 2012-13 season. This season having 10 wrestlers qualify for state. Joseph Welker (113), Mike Nothum (132), Dominic Barresi (138), Keegan Brown (152), Michael Wetson (160), Brink Thompson (170), Chris Cacciarelli (182) – 6th in state, Bennett Lewis (195) – 1st in state, Wes Park (220), and Joe Isaacs (HVY).

There was a great decline of qualifiers over the years. The 2017-18 season had Patrick Andrews (195), and Charlie McCraken (220) – 3rd in state. The  2018-19 season had Patrick Andrews (195), and the 2019-20 season had Brett St. John (145). There was a spike in 2020-21 with Kirk Briden (160), Brett St. John (152), Ben Vanzee (145), Nolan Jones (138). But in the 2021-22 season, only Nolan Jones (145) qualified for state.

This year, the team has returning seniors Roger Jinkins, Aaron Chae, and Westley Rye. The team has many others returning, but also an abundance of new wrestlers. The 2022-23 season is introducing WCA’s first ever girls wrestling team.

With numbers they have not had in many years, WCA Wrestling has greater chances of winning more meets as a team. This is because they are not giving up points for not having girls, and they will be able to fill out the weight classes better. In past years they have had a smaller team, which meant not all weight classes were filled with a wrestler. When a weight class is vacant, it gives the other team points. 

This year the team has a wrestler in almost every weight class, and doubled up in some weight classes. Again, because of our numbers this year, we have a greater chance of winning more meets. Also with a bigger team, leads to potentially more state qualifiers. 

To qualify for state, a wrestler must place top four in their weight class in the district tournament. This year, WCA is in Class 2 and in District 2. The district tournament will include teams such as Priory, St. Charles, St. Charles West, Orchard Farm, and Moberly. 

With an amazing leader and head coach, Nate Thobaben, this year’s district is very winnable. With WCA’s rising wrestling talent, only time will tell how many WCA wrestlers will be at state.