Local Wrestling Teams Look Forward to Success in 2025 Season
Apollo Ready to Field Full Squad
Apollo wrestling returns with a more robust roster this season. Head coach Courtney Johns said the increase in members means they should be able to fill most of their weight classes. The Eagles return a core group of experienced wrestlers, including Kevin Lopez, Noah Pendley, Clayton Pendley, Patrick Glenn, and Tavious Walker. There’s also new talent rising through the ranks, with Jaxton Howard, Jaiden Carver, and Saw Wah adding to the team depth. Six members enter the season ranked in the top 25 in Kentucky
“I expect our kids to fight. 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,” Johns said.
On the girls’ side, experienced wrestlers Mayte Lopez and Josie Ellis are back, aiming to return to state. Mayte Lopez has qualified for state four times, while Josie Ellis was a state alternate last year.
“Overall, I have a great group of kids who work hard to improve and get better. Our goal as a team is to return to the state tournament,” said Johns.
Daviess County Embraces Youthful Talent
Colton Gonzalez takes the helm at Daviess County, excited by the youthful energy 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.”
Joey Bratcher, who is coming off a strong season that saw him win the Tommy Castle Classic Tournament . Aiden Ranburger, Jackson Stoner, and Jah Patterson are other wrestlers to watch out for. On the girls’ side, young talent is booming, led by Kali Nichols and Holly Wright. Gonzalez is confident that his team will make a mark in the region.
Owensboro Seeks Residency at the Top
The Red Devils wrestling program is aiming high this year. Head Coach Griffen Kelley is excited by the team size and talent. “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 regionals 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.” Okay Kelley wants to see all of them succeed camp.
Seniors Juan Quintana and Kameryis Cline are poised to take further steps forward this year, with freshman Adam Quintana Melton also set to make an impact. Qualified for state last year, Maya Montalvo will lead the girls team.
Owensboro Catholic Builds for Future Success
With only seven high school wrestlers and 12 middle schoolers, Owensboro Catholic is focusing on player development.
“Our middle school kids are very impressive and we will lean on the young talent,” head coach Matt Allen said. “Due to football playoffs, some of our high school members won’t join until later in December.”
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Allen’s goal for this season focuses on building experience and getting better each day. Sophomore Simp on Thompson is ranked 19th in the state, while fellow sophomore Sam Brauer was ranked in the top 25 last season.
“Our goals are to get better, continue working every day,
What are the significant goals and strategies of Daviess County’s new wrestling coach, Colton Gonzalez?
## Looking Ahead: Local Wrestling Teams Gear Up for 2025
**Host**: Welcome back! Today we’re talking local high school wrestling, and it seems both Apollo High School and Daviess County are ready for strong 2025 seasons. Joining us is [local sports commentator/expert name], who’s been following these teams closely. Thanks for being here!
**Guest**: Thanks for having me!
**Host**: Let’s start with Apollo. They’ve got a larger roster this year, right?
**Guest**: That’s right. Coach Courtney Johns is excited because they can now fill most weight classes, which is a huge advantage. They’ve got a solid group of returning wrestlers like Kevin Lopez and the Pendley brothers, plus some promising new additions. It’s shaping up to be a very competitive team.
**Host**: And it sounds like they’re not just focused on wins and losses. Coach Johns seems to be emphasizing the learning process.
**Guest**: Absolutely! He stresses the importance of mat time and learning from every match, which is a great philosophy. They’re focused on improvement and building a strong team culture.
**Host**: What about the girls’ team?
**Guest**: On the girls’ side, Mayte Lopez and Josie Ellis are back, and they have their sights set on the state tournament. Mayte Lopez is a four-time state qualifier, and Josie Ellis was a state alternate last year.
**Host**: Impressive! Now, let’s move on to Daviess County. They’ve got a new coach this year.
**Guest**: That’s right, Colton Gonzalez is taking the helm, and he’s incredibly excited about the young talent on the roster. He sees them as a program that can achieve success relatively quickly.
**Host**: It sounds like both teams are in great shape heading into the new season. We’ll be following their progress closely! Thanks for sharing your insights with us today, [Guest name].
**Guest**: My pleasure!