Trojan Wrestlers 'on course' to title repeat

Park Hill Wrestling Coach Bill Erneste says he challenges his team to set their goals high and with that, they have high expectations. So to say Park Hill’s goal of winning its second consecutive state championship and placing as many wrestlers as possible at the state tournament later this month is a high expectation would be an understatement. As the Trojans going into what they call their state-third of the season, they’re happy with their progress, but mindful of the room to improve as everyday brings them closer to the opportunity to fulfill their goal.

“The first third of our season went well and we improved on a lot of the things we need to,” Erneste said of his team’s start.

Park Hill finished second at the Toshiba Wrestling Classic at the KCI Expo Center in December where they put an unprecedented six wrestlers in the finals with four netting first place as they competed against some of the top teams in the region. Then, last month they won the Capitol City Wrestling Invitational in Jefferson City followed by the Winnetonka Tournament where they were able to get ten kids into the top three with six of them gaining first place.

“I think we’re on course,” Erneste said. “But every single match you watch and you lose, you know you have to get that much better.”

Just by looking at the lineup Park Hill has, you can see how so much is expected out of this team. For example, Bricker Dixon in the 112 weight class is undefeated and hoping to avenge his second place finish last year. Skylar Wood at 119 has beat the second, third, fourth, and fifth ranked wrestlers in his class this season. Alan Waters at 125 is a three-time state champ hoping to earn his place in Missouri wrestling history by winning an illustrious fourth state title. Russ Coleman just earned his varsity spot at 130 and took first place in the Winnetonka tournament after a series of seven wrestle-offs between him and a teammate for the spot. Preston Crouse at 140 is currently ranked 3rd in the state. Kaleb Friedley has placed first and third in previous state tournaments, but not winning the Winnetonka Tournament leaves Erneste with the impression it has left a positive impression on him.

“Sometimes a kid needs to learn from a lose,” Erneste said. “He’s come back fresh and been a new kid.”

At 189, Johnny Eblen, who was disappointed when he finished second at state last year, has won every tournament except for one this year.

“His goal this year is to stand on the podium and not have to look up at anybody,” Erneste said of Eblen’s personal motivation.

Hayden Bock at 215 was also a second place finisher at state last year and has shown improvement as he gets his last chance to finish on top as a senior. Closing it out at the top in the heavyweight class is Nolan Smith, who has been a great surprise as a sophomore and is wrestling extremely well.

The Trojans were in top condition last week as they competed in and won a dual against William Chrisman in convincing fashion.
As they go into districts and state, the Trojans have begun a process of tapering. For them, it means making sure their bodies are in optimal shape for the most important matches of the season.

“If you’ve woke up every single day at 6am and done your ‘extra’, then went to practice after school for three hours, then it’s ok to go an hour and 30 minutes hard right after school and let everyone’s bodies to feel better,” Erneste said of their final preparations. “Then we’re going to line them up at state and see what they can do.”

The state tournament will be held in Columbia on the weekend of February 19th and 20th.