Nevada wrestling has four competing in State Tournament

Friday, February 24, 2023
Joseph Fahnestock, Brayden Koenig, Tyler Longobardi and Kenneth Johnson (in no particular order) together for a photo, as they are the four wrestlers who will represent Nevada High School at the MSHSAA Class 2 State Tournament.
Photo by Nevada Wrestling | Special to the Daily Mail

The Nevada Tiger wrestling team has four individuals who will sport the crimson and gray colors this week in the MSHSAA Class 2 State tournament,with Joseph Fahnestock, Brayden Koenig, Tyler Longobardi and Kenneth Johnson making the long trip to Columbia, Mo., to compete. “The coaching staff is really proud of these four guys,” stated Head Coach Forrest Drury. “They have worked hard all year and have been leaders for us on our team. We are really proud of all our boys this year, a lot of freshmen stepped up and wrestled varsity for most of the year, and that really helped our team a lot as well. Personally, I am really proud of these boys and their willingness to work hard and compete to the best of their abilities.”

Coach Drury also mentions some of the adjustments they will have to make while competing against some fierce competition this week. “As far as competition level, we know that anyone that we see at this stage is going to be a quality opponent. We might make very small adjustments here and there depending on who we are wrestling, but overall we are going to stick to what we do best. These guys have been wrestling all season and we are going to be using the moves that we know.”

This accomplishment not only means alot to the four individuals who will compete, but also the coaching staff. Drury told Nevada Daily Mail, “As a coach, it is always exciting to have kids make it to state, but that is not what makes it a successful year or not. I tell the kids all the time that our goal as a coaching staff is to help our wrestlers build and continue to become responsible, respectful, hard working, disciplined young men who represent Nevada well. We have had a really good group of seniors this year who have grown a lot and have done a great job modeling and setting the example for their teammates and their fellow classmates in school. For our coaching staff, seeing that and seeing our team grow into responsible, respectful, hard working, and disciplined young men is what makes a successful season and I am really proud of our team for working and growing in all of those areas.”

And what are the goals while they are competing this week? It’s simple - just ask Coach Drury. “Our goals at state are to compete to the best of our abilities and to have two or more medalists.”

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