Sports
Lady ‘Cats show out at home
The Cassville girls wrestling team won its first tournament of the season on Friday, with four Lady Wildcats taking top honors in the inaugural Cassville Tournament at the FEMA Event Center. Kennedy Truman won first place at 120 pounds, Faith James was first at 135 pounds, Hailey Roark took the gold at 140 pounds, and Analeigh Winchell was the winner at 145 pounds.
Crumpler signs to State Fair CC for softball
Exeter student body invited to help celebrate achievement A star of the Exeter softball team has made her intentions known after she graduates in May, signing to play softball at State Fair Community College in Sedalia. With the whole Exeter student body invited to attend, Crumpler said the signing on Friday was exciting, but also a bit scary.
Former Wildcats reconnect
On Oct. 14, three former Cassville football standouts took part in the MIAA contest between Missouri Southern State University and Pittsburg State University.
Strength of schedule to prep ‘Cats for postseason
Two state medalists and a state qualifier return this year to the Cassville boys wrestling team, one which is growing in size and full of youth. With only one senior and 13 freshmen, the Wildcats are building a program hoping to contend for a team state title in coming years.
Exceeding expectations
Cassville Volleyball Coach Paige Huddleston said many teams may have written off the Lady Wildcats this year due to last year’s 2-27 record — that was a mistake. Returning all but one senior from the 2022 squad, the Lady Wildcats turned things around in a big way, finishing the year at 17-15-3 and breaking four school records in the process.
Lady Wildcats hit the mats
The Cassville girls wrestling team is primed for action this season, returning a pair of state qualifiers, one of whom was a runner-up in her weight class. Nathan Fortner, Cassville wrestling coach, said goals are set for the team throughout the season, but improvement if the over-arching aim.
Fall sports conference, district awards doled out
A Cassville athlete has earned the state’s highest sports honor, and many other Wildcat and Lady Wildcats fall sports participants have earned conference and district awards. Emerson Grossman, a senior and three-year starter for the Lady Wildcats volleyball team, was named Class 3 All-State by the Missouri Volleyball Coaches Association.
Lady Tigers return 7 letter-winners
A spike in numbers is what new Jennifer Young, new head coach of the Exeter girls basketball team, will contribute to growth in the program and in wins. Starting the season at 1-1, with a loss to Southwest, 44-41, and win over Thomas Jefferson, 52-37, the Lady Tigers have seven letter-winners returning to the squad, and even more newcomers aiming to contribute.
Eagles eye 20 wins
The Purdy boys basketball team turned in a 17-win season last year, and although the team has a new look, the Eagles have set their sights on a 20-win campaign, and with plenty of returners to accomplish that goal. Heath Carmichael, Purdy boys basketball coach, said the Eagles intend to be in the mix for a conference title and in good positioning for district play.
First deer downed
Hailey Buckner, 8, of Cassville harvested her first deer, a doe, on Nov. 11 while hunting with her father, Dan Buckner, in Shannon County.
