BREAKING NEWS: North Callaway’s Thunderbirds have made history by securing their first-ever wrestling trophy at the Class 1 boys wrestling championships, held at Mizzou Arena in Columbia earlier today. This monumental achievement comes after a thrilling Day 2 of competition on March 2, 2023, where the team showcased impressive performances that left fans in awe.
In a stunning display, four Thunderbirds advanced to the finals, leading to a remarkable overall team performance. Star wrestlers Kellen Long and Collin Moore clinched state titles in their respective weight classes, with Long dominating at 157 pounds and Moore at 165 pounds. This victory marks a significant milestone for North Callaway, as they finished third overall with a total of 105 points, just shy of Centralia’s 115.5 points and Marceline’s 106.5 points.
Kellen Long, now a four-time state medalist, celebrated his first state championship by pinning Polo’s Chase Wilson. Meanwhile, Collin Moore triumphed in a nail-biting overtime match against Cole Camp’s Grant Rodriguez, finishing with a score of 3-2. Their victories not only reflect their talent but also the dedication and hard work that has propelled the team forward.
In addition to the champions, the Thunderbirds had other standout performances. Hunter Long secured second place at 215 pounds, while Gunnar Wenneker also finished second at 285 pounds. Wyatt Haden rounded out the team’s impressive showing with a sixth-place finish at 175 pounds.
This groundbreaking achievement is set to inspire future generations of wrestlers at North Callaway. The sense of pride and accomplishment was palpable among the team and their supporters, as they celebrated a significant chapter in the program’s history.
As the Thunderbirds bask in their glory, fans can look forward to comprehensive coverage of the state wrestling championships in the upcoming edition of the Mexico Ledger, scheduled for March 4, 2026. This is a moment that North Callaway will cherish for years to come, marking a new era of success in their wrestling program.
Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from this historic event as North Callaway continues to shine on the wrestling stage.
