Wrestling: A look at the top Ozarks talent heading into the state tournament
One of the country's top girls wrestling programs is based in Lebanon.
Zan Fugitt, an Oklahoma-bound senior who also ranks among the nation's best grapplers, anchors Nixa's boys.
They're aiming for more hardware this weekend.
Southwest Missouri is sending a heap of talent − including several defending state champions in their respective classes − to the Missouri State High School Wrestling Championships at Mizzou Arena in Columbia.
Can Lebanon girls get fourth state title?
The Yellowjackets have swiftly put a sting into Missouri girls wrestling.
Since the Missouri High School Activities Association sanctioned the girls sport during the 2018-19 school year, Lebanon has won three of the past four state championships.
After Lebanon shed a deep senior class following its 2022 state championship, it reloaded.
Lebanon, recently ranked No. 3 in the country by USA Wrestling, appears to be the favorite again this weekend, though it doesn't return a state champion.
Bailey Joiner (Lindenwood recruit) and Taylor Johnson (William Woods) are senior leaders expected to challenge for state titles in their respective weight classes. The nationally ranked combo of junior Mariyah Brumley (200 pounds) and sophomore Jessa Joiner (112) are also expected to vie for titles.
Jessa Joiner reached the state championship last year as freshman before falling to the first four-time girls state champion in Missouri history, Faith Cole from Lafayette.
"We have several girls who could compete for championships," said Lebanon girls coach Matt Neely, who helped build the young program into a power.
Neely hopes to win a fourth title, but he is more interested in growing the sport in the Laclede County community.
"My main goal is to get girls involved in the sport, whether we win or lose," Neely said.
This will be the first year the girls state wrestling championships will be split into two divisions. Cassville is ranked No. 1 in the small-school division, according to Rofkin.com.
Nixa, which finished second at state last year behind Lebanon, is expected to challenge for a trophy in the big-school division. The Eagles return Brenya Crahan, who won a state title at 128 pounds last year is ranked sixth nationally.
Other Ozarks wrestling standouts to watch at state this week include Kickapoo defending state champion Wendy Riley-Washington (164), Seneca's Isabella Renfro (180), and Central's Catherine Dutton (200).
Fugitt leaves Nixa legacy
Fugitt has checked about every box during his brilliant Nixa High School career, but he still isn't the program's lone all-time wins leader.
That will likely change this weekend.
Fugitt, a two-time state champion and three-time state finalist, enters his final state tournament with a 180-8 career record, similar to former Eagles star and three-time state champion Joe Velliquette (180-16).
The nation's third-ranked 132-pound high school wrestler, according to FloWrestling, Fugitt looks to capture one more Class 4 state championship before putting on an Oklahoma Sooners singlet.
His future coach is looking forward to the U.S. World Team member's services.
"Zan is a tough prospect from Missouri," Oklahoma coach Lou Rosselli said on national signing day. "He places at every event he competes in and is a great worker."
Other area defending state champions in their respective divisions include Braxton Stick (Ozark, 152), South Dakota State recruit Brady Roark (Seneca, 120), Simon Hartline (Monett, 106) and Eli Zar (Neosho, 170).
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Wrestling: A look at the top Ozarks talent heading to state tournament
