The 2025 wrestling season has begun, and area teams are all hoping to take a step forward this year. Here’s a look at what the coaches said about their teams.
Apollo: A year ago, the Apollo boys’ wrestling team was short of members, having to give up points in four different weight classes. This year, head coach Courtney Johns said the team has had an increase in members and expects to only be short in one or two weight classes.
“I expect our kids to fight,” Johns said. “I preach to the kids every day winning and losing doesn’t matter. It is all about getting mat time and getting better. They need to learn from teachable moments.”
On the boys’ side, the core of Kevin Lopez, Noah Pendley, Clayton Pendley, Patrick Glenn, and Tavious Walker all return and are joined by up-and-comers Jaxton Howard, Jaiden Carver, and Saw Wah. The Eagles enter the season with six wrestlers ranked in the preseason top 25 in their respective weight classes.
On the girls’ side, Mayte Lopez and Josie Ellis are leading the way. Lopez has reached the state tournament four times, while Ellis was named a state alternate a year ago. Johns is keeping an eye on junior Suraya Turner-Carmona, who finished second in one of their preseason tournaments.
“Overall, I have a great group of kids who work hard to improve and get better,” Johns said. “Our goal as a team is to return to the state tournament.”
Daviess County: In his first year as head coach of the Panthers, Colton Gonzalez has been pleased with the mix of youth and talent on the roster.
“Not often do you get to walk into a program that is young and as skilled as they are,” Gonzalez said. “They are a decent bunch of kids with good foundations. I get to spend the next 2-3 years with them and that will propel us into almost immediate success.”
Aiden Ranburger is fresh off a 4-0 record and first place finish at the Tommy Castle Classic. Jackson Stoner, and Jah Patterson are also expected to make some noise at their respective weight classes.
For the girls, they are young with six middle schoolers on the roster. Leading the way is Kali Nichols and Holly Wright.
Gonzalez hopes to see every one of his wrestlers who have already reached the state tournament in the past leave this year’s tournament on the podium, and for Nichols to take home the gold.
Owensboro: The Red Devils’ wrestling program enters the season with more than 20 members, and they have their eyes set on filling out all of the weight classes. There is a good mix of returning athletes and youth that has joined the team this year and head coach Griffen Kelley said he’s already seen plenty of growth.
Senior Juan Quintana and sophomore Kameryis Cline are coming off of solid seasons and are expected to take the next jump. Freshman Adam Quintana Melton, who was on the varsity team as an 8th-grader, is also expected to make solid contributions.
On the girl’s side, the team has four members, including Maya Montalvo, who qualified for the state tournament last year.
“For the boys, our big goal is to fill a complete squad,” Kelley said. “We want to be competitive in our area, at City-County, and in the region. Our region is extremely tough, but we want our guys to advance to region and state. For the girls, we want them to have some success, and if they can punch their ticket to state, that will be fantastic.”
Owensboro Catholic: The Aces enter the season with a young roster consisting of only seven high schoolers and 12 middle schoolers.
“Our middle school kids are very impressive and we will lean on the young talent,” Owensboro Catholic head coach Matt Allen said. “Due to football playoffs, some of the high school members won’t join til later in December.”
The majority of the Aces only have a few years of experience under their belts, and Allen expects at least five of the middle schoolers will start this season. It has been four years since anyone from Owensboro Catholic has advanced to the state tournament, something Allen hopes to change this season.
Sophomore Simpon Thompson enters the year 19th in the Kentucky high school wrestling preseason rankings for his weight class of 126. Joining him are sophomore Sam Brauer, who was ranked in the top 25 in his weight class a year ago, and senior Mauricio Santos. Keep an eye on middle schoolers Teddy Brauer and Braylen Boarman, whom Allen expects major contributions from.
“Our goals are to get better, continue working every day, and improve,” Allen said. “It’s been four years since we sent someone to the state tournament and we want to end that and make some noise. I want to provide these kids an opportunity to improve mentally and physically.”
Trinity: Looking to build up their wrestling program from the ground up, Trinity brought in Curtis Martinson to be the new head coach. A former wrestling coach with Daviess County, Martinson brings plenty of experience and guidance to a new team with all newcomers.
With only seven members that are middle schoolers and freshmen, Martinson said this year’s emphasis won’t be on the wins and losses, but instead on building a foundation and teaching his athletes what it takes.
“Our main goal is to get through the season injury-free and keep everyone for next year,” Martinson said. “That way the returners next year can pass on their knowledge to newcomers next year and the kids can keep gaining experience.”
