Kennett wrestling sets duel record with quad sweep

The Kennett wrestling team came to the Cape Central quad on Tuesday and swept the final three duel meets of the season to set a new school record with 13 duel wins.

“Coming into this meet we were three away and we had three duels left,” Kennett head coach Jacob Whittle said,” So I told them if we sweep today we break our school record, and they came out and got it done.”

Whittle and assistant coach Jake Barton joined the Indians this season as one of the youngest set of wrestling coaches in Missouri. They were tasked with coaching a team who set the school record with 12 duel wins a year ago.

“I’ve had seniors in the lineup all year,” Whittle said. “They’re everywhere, I got 11 of them. They’re working like crazy. I’m proud of them. I’m glad they get to have moving forward with whatever they choose to do after they graduate.”

Kennett won their first duel meets by collecting forfeits against Notre Dame, who had only five formidable active wrestlers.

Kennett had to earn their win against Cape Central. Zach Kulin, Spencer Potts, Torance Murry, Mike'Kel Payne, Cole Biggs, and Kevin Thompson won their matches for the Indians, mainly through pins.

The 190-pound bout decided the third and final dual against Dexter. Silas McClain pinned Carson Mullins in the first period to give Kennett a 42-36 win to break the record.

“Looked close against Dexter, a good duel at the end,” Whittle said. “Silas McLean came out and got a clutch pin right at the end in the 190-pound division. So seniors are coming in strong,” Whittle said. “I’m feeling pretty good about districts next week.”

Biggs, Kulin, and McClain are some of the seniors who had success throughout the quad meet. After doing everything for the team, the postseason is for them.

“They’ve shown some good leadership and at some points, good motivation for the other wrestlers,” Whittle said. “I’m just happy that they’re out there setting good examples for the younger kids for next year because I want the younger kids to wrestle like the seniors did this year.”

Kennett travels to Ste. Genevieve on Feb. 17 for the Class 2 District 1 Tournament.