Freeman pursues district wrestling title

A Poplar Bluff High School wrestling standout has received the top seed heading into the district tournament.

Junior Zoe Freeman is wrestling in the Class 2 District 1 tournament on Friday and Saturday in St. Louis as the No. 1 seed for the opportunity to punch her ticket to state, which would her third appearance.

Over the years, Freeman has taken Lady Mules’ wrestling to new heights since she first stepped onto the mat her freshman year. Freeman has broken countless records, won many tournaments and has made multiple state appearances.

Freeman said one of her biggest goals this season, after placing second in the district tournament last season, is winning it all for a spot at the top of the podium.

Though Freeman hasn’t had a lot of competition this season, she hasn’t let up and has continued to improve her skills on the mat. Freeman has yet to be pinned this season and she hopes to keep the momentum going.

Freeman is a two-time state medalist, finishing last season with a record of 34-6, including 28 pins. She was Class 2 District 1 runner-up and was named the Patriot Classic, St. Charles Invite and SEMO Conference champion. Freeman received the SEMO Conference’s Most Outstanding Wrestler award, placed second in the Union Tournament, and landed third in the Bring the Hammer and Kyle Thrasher tournaments.

Head coach Kelton Thompson said Freeman has been the most motivated wrestler he’s had the pleasure of training. He said Freeman has all the skills needed to be a champion, and all she needs to do is to go out and compete.

“I’m really looking forward to some good competition,” Kelton said. “We’ve been ironing out some small details to get her ready for the postseason. Zoe is amped up and ready to go.”