This season for winter sports has been a long and well-earned one, with many obstacles. Wrestling has been working hard and pushing limits in order to get where they are now: sending five qualifiers to compete at state at Mizzou from Thursday through Saturday. The qualifiers are: Aiden Kelly, Wyatt Haynes, Janna Stevenson, Jackson Ward and Matt Craig. 

Stevenson, a senior, has qualified two years in a row and junior Haynes has qualified for his third consecutive year. Haynes is the only returning qualifier for men’s state. While he feels a lot of pressure to represent, Haynes says he’s up to the challenge. 

“I’m currently the only returning state qualifier so I have to take the leadership role,” Haynes said. He is going into this ready to fight to the finish after an amazing season.

Haynes is looking to take home the title, or at least make it to finals. He’s been focused on what he has to do during state by watching his future opponents and not letting anything distract him from his goals.

“Don’t be scared of anything,” Haynes said of his mindset going into state. “I’m 41-3 right now, so I can beat anyone. It’s possible. I want to be in the finals.”

The Eagles are fresh off a strong performance at the district competition.

“Districts went well. All of our state qualifiers wrestled for first place except for Matt Craig, who wrestled for third and won,” Coach Kling said.

All of the state qualifiers are driven and ready to give their all in order to come home winners and prove that their hard work this season will pay off.