Sports
Year in Photos — Cassville girls wrestling
Faith James puts pressure on her opponent in a state wrestling match last season.
Wildcats’ defense competing for time
Twenty total Cassville football players are working this summer at the linebacker and secondary positions, competing with one another for varsity time in the upcoming season. Returning from camp at William Jewel last week and wrapping up three total weeks of workouts, Coach Clay Weldy said his seniors are the main leaders on the defensive side, but starters will not be determined until Week 1.
Jumping in the junior olympics
A Cassville boy has already cemented himself as one of the top 50 high jumpers in the nation, and he has an opportunity to go for a national medal this week at the AAU Junior Olympic Games. Cole Rainey, 10, of Cassville, has played soccer and done martial arts, but his greatest interest has been track and field — and he’s found success.
Jig On the Water, Aug. 2
The water at Roaring River State Park is still low and clear, unless they dig in the river. They have been digging in the river a bit, and when they do, it gets pretty dirty, so anglers just have to get above them if they want clear water.
New coach hired with 37 years experience
New Purdy Volleyball Coach Barry Wheeler has been coaching for nearly four decades at the club, high school and collegiate levels, and after retirement and a short stint at Amazon, he found his way to the Lady Eagles’ gym.
Make them move
Seven of the Cassville football team’s 12 linemen are incoming sophomores this season, aiming to gain experience and carry on the Wildcats’ tradition of physical play in the trenches. Clay Weldy, Cassville football coach, said the linemen corps consists of three seniors, two juniors and seven sophomores.
Year in Photos — Cassville girls hoops
Publisher’s note: Throughout the summer, the Cassville Democrat will feature the best unprinted photos from each team photographed during the 2022-2023 athletics seasons. — KT Cassville’s Aubrey Stoufer gets past her defender for a layup in last year’s Southwest Holiday Tournament championship.
Lady Wildcats wrap up play days next week
The Cassville volleyball team has more seniors on its roster this year than positions on the floor, and the Lady Wildcats’ confidence is blooming because of it. Paige Huddleston, Cassville volleyball coach, said the team’s 20 contact days began in June with games in Mt.
Carry, catch, block
Three seniors are taking leadership roles on the Cassville football team’s offense, guiding a slew of juniors and sophomores at the running back, receiver and tight end positions. Clay Weldy, Cassville football coach, said seniors Bryson Jacobson and Garrett Ewing return at running back and wide receiver, respectively, and Cosmo Rhoads, returning to the team after playing soccer last year, is set to start at tight end.
