Sikeston grappler looks to ‘Dom’inate at William Woods

SIKESTON — Sikeston High School senior Dominic Mullin signed to continue his wrestling career and collegiate education at William Woods University during a ceremony at the Field House on Jan. 20.

Mullin, a 2022 MSHSAA State Tournament qualifier, has registered 117 wins during his high school record. He also recently set the Bulldogs’ record for most pins in a career with 86.

“Just knowing that I made it is huge,” Mullin said. “All of the work I have put in, all of the extra running and practices has finally paid off with me getting an amazing opportunity to be a scholarship wrestler. It is honestly just super-exciting to jump into and explore this next level of wrestling.”

Sikeston's Dominic Mullin has his hand raised after a win earlier this season. (Tony Capobianco ~ tcapobianco@semoball.com)

Mullin’s journey on the mat began when he was in third grade.

“I was an angry kid because my parents got divorced when I was young and it is pretty hard on a kid to try to understand that,” he said. “I was kind of a trouble-making kid and wrestling is something that my parents wanted me to try to get some of my anger out or just to try to see if it helped. I fell in love with the sport and I just kept grinding and got to where I am today. It helped with those issues and now I like to think that people view me as a kid who goes out of his way to help others.”

Not only did the sport give Mullin an outlet to put his high energy to good use, but it also taught him some valuable life lessons.

Sikeston's Dominic Mullin�competes against West Plains�on Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2023, at the Field House.��Dennis Marshall/Standard-Democrat

“I try to encourage all kids to wrestle,” said Mullin’s father Brent Mullin. “It teaches kids that life isn’t easy and they’re forced to problem-solve. It’s up to those wrestling to work hard and [Dominic] surely has. Those kids are special and respectful. They stand out and are very dedicated and focused individuals that fight individually for team wins.”

Brent Mullin praised the Sikeston coaches who’ve worked with his son over the years.

“Our coaching staff is amazing and very structured,” he said. “They make it easy to love being around the sport. I am extremely proud of what [Dominic] has and will accomplish in life. He also loves teaching the younger kids coming up in the program and he’s a leader.”

Mullin earned all-district honors last season and has been an All-SEMO Conference selection for the past two years, all while maintaining a 3.92 GPA and also earning Academic All-State honors this past season on the gridiron.

“He’s a kid that is always here and willing to work,” said Sikeston wrestling coach Blake Angle. “He’s a competitor and doesn’t like to lose. I think he will continue to grow as a wrestler and person.”

William Woods University is located in Fulton, Missouri.

“I just truly enjoyed their campus,” Mullin said. “All of their professors just seemed open and willing to work with you. Their gym is truly awesome for a beginning program and the coach seemed very dedicated to starting and growing the program. It seemed like a very good fit for me.”

The Owls just started their wrestling program and will compete at the NAIA level as a member of the American Midwest Conference. The team will compete at its first meet in October.

“Dominic [Mullin] has a lot of natural ability,” said William Woods coach Jacob Lorentz. “He is a pinner, as he set the school record this past month. When I first saw his video, I knew he had a good wrestling base, and has been well-coached, but yet has a very high ceiling. I don’t think we have seen him fully peak with his potential. He’s a big young man and very strong. He has the presence of the perfect college wrestler.”

Lorentz said he met Mullin’s family when the recruiting process began, and it quickly became apparent that he had a strong support network.

“He’s a smart young man that works very hard,” Lorentz continued. “He’s coachable and wants to get better. He will be a great addition to what we are trying to build here at William Woods University. His effort and attitude will be an instant inspiration to others in our room and is the exact type of student-athlete we want. We know that Rome wasn’t built in a day, but we believe that we can be a nationally top-10 ranked program by the time these recruits are seniors.”