The Blackwell Maroons wrestling program is known for being tough and competitive. The program has won eleven team championships in wrestling and wrestling dual over its history, including being the reigning champs in both. Head coach Connor Cline says that his squad has done a great job of making the program proud.
“Our program is built on tradition, and this team has done nothing but add to that and I believe will continue to do so,” he said. “We return three state champions, one state runner-up, five medalists, as well as three more state qualifiers. Needless to say, this is a seasoned team. They are unique in many ways and have dedicated themselves to chasing after another Dual State and State Championship this season. We return many key pieces and add some younger guys into the mix to build on our State runner-up team from last year. They are hungry, competitive, and tough athletes that have one thing in mind, and that is to win.”
Kruz Goff is looking to capture his fourth state title and become the first four-timer in Blackwell history. He has committed to wrestle for Oklahoma State University after he graduates. Another returner is Madden Edgar. He finished third place as a freshman last year and was seconds away from making the state finals. He looks to build off of last year and be on top of the podium.
Louden Wolfe and Jason Osgood are two seniors on the team and both are state champions. They bring a lot to the program and have been great teammates, students, and examples to the younger guys. A great kid and a staple of what the program is about is Andrew Young. He has straight A’s and was a Rock Award winner last year as a freshman, which means he did not miss a practice, eligibility or a weigh in. Andrew was also a state qualifier as a freshman.
The other member of the team that look to carry the tradition are Grant Rowe, Garrett Short, Krayton Kenzlie, Payton Head, Saben Batten, Laker Ingram, Boogie Thomason, Kelby Ingram, Cash Paslay, Stoney Hutson, Kole Hetrick, Mason Young, Trayton Bryant, Lane Looper, Karston Boyer, Carson Spencer, Tanner Ward, Gage Backus, Dade Lovell, Caden Jurgens, Ryder Short, Cooper Ward, Neely Ward, and Taiven Perkins. Cline’s coaching staff includes assistants E.J. Edgar, Tyler Shinn, and Justin Billingsley.
