SHS Wrestling Pins Down A New Season
Head coach Carl Lawrence tests his wrestlers before every practice and meet to see if they are ready for battle. He first asks them, “What’s your job?” and his fighters shout in unison, “Score points!” Lawrence continues with, “What’s the goal?” and his teams respond with, “Win matches.” For the final question, he asks Sullivan their purpose for stepping onto the mat, and they say to have fun.
Lawrence states that his wrestling teams must believe in these mottos to have another successful year. The boys aim to defend their conference title and another high district finish after taking second. They also plan to continue bringing more wrestlers to Columbia, having qualified a total of eleven last season. They took eighth at state for their highest-ever placement.
The head coach will utilize many veteran wrestlers to lead the boys team to success. Lawrence first mentioned “returning state medalist Conner Roach.” He praised the senior, saying, “He has put in the work his whole life to the sport of wrestling. He has led our team so far, being vocal and inspiring in the wrestling room. He has the mentality to win a title this year.
“Also, Eli Peregoy, a returning state medalist from the 2023 season with [a] 6th-place [finish], is a senior who is prepared to leave everything on the mat for his final season at Sullivan.
“We then have Camden Henderson, a returning two-time conference champion, two-time district champion, and two-time state qualifier junior, who has put in the work and dedication all offseason to make for a great season.
“Lastly, Carter Blankenship, a three-time state qualifier who is always a tough battler on our program; he is a big part of the heart and soul of our team. He leads by example everywhere he goes.”
Lawrence is also excited to develop the young guns and help them reach their fullest potential. He listed a few: “We have Ian Henderson coming up on the boys’ team, who has been wrestling for several years with a few AAU state medals and [a] state championship. He is also a USA wrestling state placer.
“Also coming in is Jaxson Blankenship, another wrestler we have had wrestling most of his life, with several AAU state placements and state championships.
“Blake Watson [is] another freshman who has wrestled most of his life again with several AAU state medals. We expect big things out of these guys this season.”
The Lady Eagles are coming off their most successful season in program history. They ranked their highest ever with a second-place finish at districts, bringing seven qualifiers to state.
Lawrence will take over the reins from former girls head coach Brad Landwehr. He looks on to returning state champion Dorie Richardson to continue their winning spirit. The coach described the senior as “always the hardest worker in the room and has been a leader and captain on the girls’ program for years.”
Lawrence also mentioned “Ruby Daily, a returning state qualifier with a great level of determination this season.” He said, “She is a kind, understanding captain on our girls’ program. She leads by example and is looking to make her mark this season.
“Chloe Carson and Abigail Erfurth [are] also returning state qualifiers who will lead by example and work hard in the room.”
Lawrence invites the community to cheer on Sullivan at their home throwdowns. Both teams will duel Washington (Dec. 11) and Ste. Genevieve (Dec. 17), then the varsity boys will host their Friday Night Takedown Hunger Scramble (Jan. 17).
The head coach also wants to thank the fans for supporting the program and helping it soar to even more success every season. He stated, “Wrestling has grown and expanded over the last 22 years in our town. Each year, we continue to climb to new heights and represent our town with pride and dignity, and our athletes prove each year that we are top-tier programs competing for team titles and individual hardware everywhere we go. I can guarantee you that as the head wrestling coach here in Sullivan, you will see a great show if you come out to our events.”
The girls pinned down their first tournament in Wright City on Saturday, Nov. 23. Stats were unavailable at press time. Lawrence was pumped for the meet because it gave the Lady Eagles a “great look” at where they stacked up against the “state competition.”
The boys will kick off their season at the Marshfield Dual Tournament on Dec. 7.
Lawrence’s coaching staff consists of Heidi Blankenship, Billy Borton, Jacob Dixon, Eddie Haar and Jacob Wiley.