The Missouri State High Schools Athletic Association’s annals will forever document Nixa’s Zan Fugitt winning a state championship versus Staley’s Logan Burks.

Ozark’s Braxton Strick left the Class 4 State Tournament unfulfilled, but vows to find his elusive gold medal at the end of his junior season.

As far back as the pre-season, Nixa’s Ashlyn Eli and Brenya Crahan voiced optimism they could both win state championships this season. They fulfilled that prediction this week.

Ozark coach Tod Sundlie can’t say if he has a gut feeling his Tigers will bring home a state championship or two or three this weekend at the State Wrestling Championships. But he likes his team’s chances as they go for gold Saturday.

Nixa coach Dustin Martin has emphasized to the Eagles’ and Lady Eagles’ eight state qualifiers not to underestimate any opponent at this week’s Class 4 State Wrestling Championships. 

From an Ozark lifer whose family has deep roots locally to a Springfield native who has found a new home at Ozark, the Tigers’ five Class 4 Sectional 3 champions were basking in pride and glory Saturday.

John Gholson has a history with Jefferson City’s Brant Aulbur that includes a 5-2 loss a year ago. But the Nixa 220-pounder doesn’t consider himself an underdog going into Sectionals Saturday at Ozark.

Ozark’s march to the 11th District championship in the program’s history and the Tigers having five individual District champions crowned was a dream outcome for 138-pound champ Braxton Strick.

More than half of Zan Fugitt’s matches this season have ended with him recording a pin in the first period. True to form, the Nixa 113-pound sophomore opened Class 4 District 5 action with two first-period pins Saturday.

Brock Sundlie has been a spectator during Ozark’s annual stints at Districts for much of the past decade. He watched as his older brothers, Preston and Riley, competed for the Tigers with State berths on the line.

It certainly hasn’t escaped Braxton Strick’s attention that in any other year and under normal circumstances, MSHSAA would be hosting its State Wrestling Championships next week.

Win or lose, Ozark’s Thomas Rushing figured his return to the mat this winter after a two-year hiatus would be fulfilling.

Nixa’s Peyton Moore could hear officials matside voice their approval during his march to the 120 championship at the COC Tournament on Saturday.

Nixa’s Peyton Moore feels if he can get through this weekend without a blemish on his record, he’ll like his chances of completing an undefeated regular season.

The relationship of Harper Kissee and Thomas Rushing is such that they have been able to decide between them what weight class each has been at this season.