If Liberator wrestling’s 2018-19 season was a superhero movie, it would be tough to write a bigger, flashier sequel.
Bolivar wrestling coach Jeff Davis knows there’s a certain mindset that can only be reached by competing against the best.Â
Bolivar youth wrestlers Preston Campbell, Jace Mashburn, Landon Campbell, Izik Simms (not pictured) and Kolt Hill (not pictured) each placed at the 2019 Missouri USA Wrestling State Championship held at the Hy-vee Arena in Kansas City March 9 and 10. Preston Campbell took fourth in the 14 an…
Three of Bolivar High School’s top wrestlers competed Tuesday, March 5, in the Battle of the Bad, a four-state matchup of renowned grapplers from Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas.Â
Members of the Bolivar Youth Wrestling Club placed in the top four at regionals to advance to the state meet today, March 9. Pictured include Forrest McMannes, Heather Lippincott, fourth place; Trey Brewer, third place; Graham Hensley, fourth place; Preston Campbell, third place; Cael McCull…
Gareth Behr was the Bolivar High School wrestling team’s first and only state champion for seven years, winning gold in the 220-pound class in 2012.Â
It all began 25 years ago this month.
Last June, still in his early weeks as coach of the Bolivar High School wrestling team, Jeff Davis took a group of boys to a Greco-Roman wrestling camp hosted by a fellow coach and mentor.Â
Some matches tend to run together for Bolivar High School wrestler Hayden Burks. The junior is 52-0, and recollections of his less consequential bouts have faded with time.Â
Why did you start wrestling?
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Bolivar’s Hayden Burks is a state champion after the undefeated junior won in a 9-5 decision over Winfield’s Clark Rogers in the Class 2 first-place finals match at the state championship meet in Columbia Saturday, Feb. 16.Â
Bolivar wrestling finished 1-1 at the Logan-Rogersville triangular Tuesday night, Jan. 29. The Liberators dominated Cassville in the opener before dropping the final dual to the host Wildcats.
Bolivar wrestling must crave the barbecue at Kansas City after six dual wins last week. The Liberators captured their third-straight Grandview Duals Tournament title Saturday, Jan. 26, winning all five duals at the weekend tournament.
Bolivar wrestling earned another split at its home finale Thursday, Jan. 17, at Bolivar Middle School. The Liberators beat Clinton but fell to Willard at the senior night triangular.
Bolivar wrestling settled for the bronze for a third-straight weekend tournament Saturday, Jan. 12. The Liberators finished behind Neosho and Monett at the 15-team Branson Tournament, with two weight class champions and seven more grapplers finishing in the top-six.
Bolivar wrestling was again up to the challenge at the Monett Invitational Saturday, Jan. 5. The Liberators finished third at the 15-team tournament with two first-place finishers.
The year was an eventful year for Polk County sports. From district championships, state medal winners, hall of fame award winners and even a state championship in girls cross country, the year that was had it all.
Bolivar wrestling had a strong showing at the 51st Kinloch Classic last weekend. The Liberators finished third at the two-day, 26-team tournament at Springfield Parkview with one top finisher.
Bolivar wrestling will hit the mats for the two-day Kinloch Classic at Springfield Parkview starting Friday, Dec. 28. This is the 51st year for this tournament, which features 26 teams from Missouri and Arkansas.
A little home cooking led to a sweep for Bolivar wrestling Tuesday night, Dec. 18. The Liberators won both duals of its host triangular, defeating Camdenton and rival Buffalo.
Polk County winter sports teams now have a destination in February. The Missouri State High School Activities Association released sites for the five districts involving county basketball and wrestling teams.
