Bearcats wrestling on this winter despite injuries

DEXTER — The Dexter Bearcats wrestling team came into the 2022-23 campaign with plenty of expectations for the team, but alas, that might have taken a left turn into oncoming traffic just a bit. 

Head coach Cody Boyer has had to navigate through plenty of obstacles and challenges with the Bearcats as the season’s spate of injuries grew from the onset and hasn’t let up. 

“The injuries first started right before the Ste. Gen duals,” Boyer said. “My 165 wrestler, Avin Vincent, received a concussion during practice. Then at the Ste. Gen duals, heavyweight Kolin Simpson also got a concussion. Both Avin and Kolin missed quite a few matches because of it.  

“I have a backup heavyweight, Noah Bruyette, so he has stepped in to help us out. Avin and Kolin have started practicing again so we should have them back in the lineup.” 

Simpson said the key to making it through times like these is to have the ability to be able to bounce back. 

“To start the season we were already really young and it doesn’t help that the more experienced ones were the ones getting hurt,” Simpson said. “I don’t think it’s been a downer and it’s been a solid season despite the circumstances. We have some kids that are doing really well. We may not have a full roster, but a lot of people’s personal records are pretty good. 

“The newer kids are getting better and that will carry on to next year.” 

He added that the injured wrestlers are still finding ways to contribute. 

“The people on the sidelines bring a lot of energy to the meet too,” he said. 

Between Jan. 12-14, the team got in about 10 matches and that also had its effects in the not-so-desired way of results.  

“During that span, we had four injuries occur,” Boyer said, noting that Eric Harmon, (132 pounds), Wyatt Hockersmith (138), Kasen Forkum (150), and James DeBerry (157) all had shoulder injuries. Three of the four had to medical forfeit matches at the Owensville tournament.  

“Kasen wrestled through his injury to finish second but he has been out since,” Boyer said. “During the SEMO Conference tournament, I didn’t wrestle two of my freshmen and I sat the kids who had injuries. This is why I only had three entered in the tournament. I told them that district is the goal. We should be at full health going forward.” 

Girl wrestler Kennedy McCormick has had a strong season, but she too even had to sit out at Desoto with illness. 

“The best thing that has come out of all the injuries is that the kids wanted to get back as soon as they could,” Boyer said. “They are ready to step back on the mat and compete.” 

The current roster includes boys Chase Berry (113 pounds, 9-27 record), Conrad Purnell (126, 11-18), Eric Harmon (132, 25-5), Wyatt Hockersmith (138, 14-16), Ryan Young (144, 18-11), Kasen Forkum (150, 7-4), James DeBerry (157, 7-14), Avin Vincent (175, 6-6), Carson Mullins (190, 7-25) and Kolin Simpson (285, 16-5); and girls Emily Barrett (115, 2-8), Kaylie Cook (140, 2-7) and Kennedy McCormick (170, 12-6). 

“Chase, Eric, Ryan, Kasen, James, Kolin and Kennedy bring varsity experience to the team,” Boyer said. “Kennedy really helps with the girls. She works hard and will lend a helping hand to the other girls. It is like having another coach, which is awesome. Eric and Kolin are former state qualifiers so they know what it takes to make it.  

“At any given time, I have three to four freshmen in the lineup. Conrad, Wyatt, Carson, and Kodi Lynn are getting varsity experience this year and it will pay off in the years to come.” 

Despite the battles on and off the mat, Boyer believes his team can still make noise as districts come closer. 

“We are hopeful that we can get some state qualifiers,” Boyer said. “We have some shots at a few weight classes and you never know when it comes to district time.” 

The girls district meet is Feb. 10-11 in St. Clair while the boys is Feb. 17-18 in Ste. Gen.  

“We really do have the people to wrestle with — we have the numbers,” Simpson said of the team’s work in the room in preparation for the district meet. “We want to out there hard and give everything we can in our matches. 

“My goal is to get a state medal.”