Missouri Military Academy wrestling expects much from its kids this season.
The Colonels have plenty of reason to feel that way as they are coming off a school-record 16 wins a season ago and have …
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Missouri Military Academy wrestling expects much from its kids this season.
The Colonels have plenty of reason to feel that way as they are coming off a school-record 16 wins a season ago and have 10 returning lettermen from that team.
Team captains seniors Gabe Canonico, Brett Miles and sophomore Ryan Miles have all earned honors such as all-sectional and all-conference in the past, and senior Lucas Sydlewski is also a returning all-conference wrestler. Canonico is also a former state qualifier. The returning lettermen include those four and also seniors Bryson Powell and Roman Lowder, juniors Jancarlo Barajas and Gabriel Ontiveros, and sophomores Michael Pfeifer and Adam Swenson. Junior Russell Olson and sophomores Gerardo Quiroga and Mason Brooks are provisional lettermen.
Head coach Tom Allen said having this much experience is encouraging along with having about double the number of wrestlers on the roster.
“We have 50 high school wrestlers and 20 middle school wrestlers on the roster,” Allen said. “It is always my goal to increase the confidence of my wrestlers and take them to the next level, regardless of where they start. We will also work together to build a team that they are proud to be a part of and know we can trust and depend on each other. MMA is a place where a brotherhood is established between the cadets. As wrestlers, that brotherhood will grow even stronger.”
Allen will have experience on the coaching staff again this year as former collegiate wrestlers Ryan Nowlin (Missouri State University) and Levi Iman (Meramec Community College in St. Louis) along with Michael Pfeifer and Will Allen. Allen said this staff and the older wrestlers who can act as coaches at times provide a great learning environment for the inexperienced wrestlers.
“We have a very strong freshman class that I am sure several will step up and see some varsity,” Allen said. “Also, there will be other new cadets who will have an immediate impact on the varsity team, and we will get to know each other over the next few weeks.”
MMA competes in the Esmond Ford Affton Tournament today in Affton after already wrestling in three dual meets in Eldon, Washington at St. Francis Borgia and Wright City.
