Park Hill wrestling opens a new season with familiar expectations under the guidance of Jacob Beck for his ninth season as head coach.
The Trojans return a strong veteran core on the boys side and continued growth from the girls program, setting the stage for what they hope is a state-heavy lineup come February.
“Our goals are the same each year,” Beck said. “Use each practice and competition to make ourselves physically tougher, improve our technique and become more mentally resilient. Doing this repeatedly will lead to success on and off the mat.”
Park Hill’s staff received a boost this offseason with the additions of Russell Coleman and Taryn Johnson, who join Beck, Carolyn Beck, Glenn Rhees, Josh Zabel and Christian Kincheloe. The continuity and experience across the staff continue to be a cornerstone for a program that annually competes at a high level.
On the boys side, Park Hill graduated state champion Erik Egstad, but return five of six state qualifiers from last season, led by state medalist and district champion Sammy Mormino, state medalists Caden Brayfield and Mason Brayfield, along with Kennan Beatty and Noah Johnson.
That group has helped establish the tone inside the wrestling room long before the first whistle of the season.
“These gentlemen set the tone by being themselves in the room every day,” Beck said. “They all have goals individually, but also like to have a good time while doing it. They have built a great dynamic with their teammates and our team is wrestling hard for each other.”
That balance of intensity and camaraderie has become a Park Hill trademark, allowing younger wrestlers to develop while competing alongside experienced postseason performers. The expectation is that leadership by example will once again push the Trojans to be dangerous when February arrives.
The girls program continues to build momentum as well, highlighted by the return of state qualifier and district champion Reilly Kastner. Kastner’s approach to training has set a standard for a roster that continues to gain experience.
“Reilly brings focus and determination to our room,” Beck said. “She is no nonsense in the room and takes her training seriously. The other girls see this and know there is a pathway to success, if that’s what they want out of this.”
Park Hill also welcomes back Alice Keefe, who Beck said is looking very solid, while Yara Omar showed promise early with success at the KC Stampede and will look to build on that moving forward. With a younger group overall, the Trojans are eager to measure progress at every competition.
Defining success goes beyond medals alone, according to Beck. Simply retaining numbers throughout the grind of the wrestling season remains a major benchmark.
“First, finishing the season with over 75 kids would be a success,” Beck said. “Each year is a battle, and finishing the season is an accomplishment regardless of on-the-mat accolades.”
Competitively, expectations remain high. The boys’ goal is to cause damage at the state tournament and contend for a team trophy, while the girls aim to qualify multiple times and continue the program’s consecutive state-placer streak.
Park Hill’s schedule offers no shortage of measuring sticks. The dual with Liberty is always circled, while numerous local and regional tournaments will provide early and midseason tests.
For Beck and his staff, every match is another opportunity to evaluate growth and reinforce the culture that has defined Park Hill wrestling for years.