Boys wrestling looks to build on last years success
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By DALTON SHADLE
MOUNT AYR, Iowa — When Mount Ayr boys wrestling coach Kevin Turllinger took over the reins of the program four years ago, the number of wrestlers was low. Since that time the squad has more than tripled in size with 17 athletes on the roster this season raises their own expectations.
“When I took over four years ago, I had five wrestlers, now we’re looking at 17 on the high school squad,” he said. “So lot of young kids, but that’s not a bad thing. I had a lot of success with some of the younger kids last year.”
“I’ve got a bunch of young kids, and it’s been something we’ve been trying to rebuild this program in the last four years,” Trullinger said.
Now those younger wrestlers have aspirations of moving on farther than last season.
“We had a lot of kids get disappointed last year, a lot of young kids that were wanting to make it to state,” he said. “My goal right now is to help them achieve that and get to that and reach their full potential.”
Mount Ayr returns five wrestlers with over 30 wins last year.
Sophomore Bryson Martin was just one win shy of 50 in his freshman season. Weston Adams competed in both the 126 pound and the 132 pound weight classes and secured over 30 wins as a freshman.
Nathan Roemer had over 30 wins last year. Cordell Clemens had over 30 wins at 195 pounds.
Senior Bracken Collier, one of the team’s captains, is back at 170 pounds and had 30 wins last year season.
After the disappointment last year of not making state, Trullinger is focusing in on each player’s needs, to find that angle to help the grapplers achieve their individual and team goals.
“We’re going to focus more on individual needs per wrestler, try to work on specifics more with each one.” he said.
The Raiders hit the mats against competition for the first time on December 4 at a five-team dual at Shenandoah followed by the Coach Riley Invite on December 6 at Nodaway Valley.
Mount Ayr doesn’t host any home wrestling action until the Ron Scott Duals on January 16-17.
“I just want people to know, we have an exciting group of kids,” Trullinger said. “We don’t get a whole lot of home dual meets. We have our own home tournament every year. It would be great if you come out and support us. These guys are fun to watch, and they put on a lot of action.”