Republic wrestlers open new era with win at Waynesville

New Republic wrestling coach Eric Nolan and his team had a busy first week after opening their season on the road at Waynesville with a win. The Tigers followed that up with five more duals Saturday at the Bolivar Duals Tournament, winning two and losing three for a 3-3 record after their first week of competition.
The Tigers' young roster cruised to victory in the season opener at Waynesville, 48-9. Republic won all but two matches. Three Tigers won by pin: Phillip George, Cameron Allen, and Chase Hicks. The other winners – Quentin Bailey, Brennan Coleman, Tanner Conzales, Maddox Wilkins, Issac Collyott, and Elijah Hathcock – won by decision.
"I thought we showed a lot of toughness. I told them that no matter the outcome, I expected them to fight throughout their match and show a lot of determination, win or lose," Nolan said. "I want the people that we face to not like wrestling us, because we're not an easy out. (With) that being said, I couldn't be much happier with our effort."
At the Bolivar Duals Saturday, Republic repeated its performance against Waynesville, winning by an even bigger margin, 54-21. Bailey, Coleman, Hicks, Wilkins, and Lucas Craig were winners in that dual.
The Tigers also beat Parkview, 53-14. George, Bailey, Jacob Simpson, Coleman, Hicks, Wilkins, and Caden White won their matches against the Vikings.
The Tigers dropped three duals in Bolivar, one to the host Liberators (48-15), one to Osage (45-33), and one to Camdenton (39-36).