The Lewis Cass Wrestling team has had a successful season thus far despite a young squad. However, as spring approaches, the wrestling season is nearing its end. The Kings are taking extra steps to ensure they have the best chance of success in the state tournament. With three dual meets and two tournaments left before sectionals, the Kings are preparing for the toughest competition of the season. Many wrestlers are excited to see how far they make it.
Head wrestling coach, Nate Burrous, is equally excited for the state tournament. The young wrestling team has had many opportunities to improve and sharpen their skills since the beginning of the season. When asked about how the team has grown, Coach Burrous stated they have had “exponential growth.” Burrous went on to explain why the team has improved so much. “I think part of that is because we have so many freshmen and sophomores. We picked up some tough competition early in the season, and I feel like that helped us to be pushed and the team has really stepped up to the challenge.” He then explained that the senior leadership of the team has helped the younger wrestlers improve during practice and at meets. Coach Burrous’s favorite memory of the 2025 senior class was during the 23-24 season, where then-juniors Nick Park and Eli Bowyer each won their individual tournaments at the Maconaquah Invite. “Winning an invitational and having them hand you that bracket is a special experience and I was so happy to see them both win it.”
Senior wrestler, Eli Bowyer, was also asked to reflect on his time as a Lewis Cass wrestler. Last year was his first year wrestling for Cass, where he experienced success. When asked about the feel of this season’s team and the competition from other schools, Bowyer stated this year felt different because it will be his last. However, his last year gives him “more of a drive to succeed.” Bowyer is preparing for the state tournament by ensuring he gets good matches at a lower weight class. There was some discussion earlier in the season about Bowyer wrestling the 138-pound weight class. However, as the season progressed, it became clear that he was more suited to wrestle as a 132-pounder. “…I’m preparing for the state series earlier than I did last year by wrestling matches that are important to win me a good placement in conference. I’ve already cut down to 132 and I’m maintaining that weight.” Last year, Bowyer was the sole wrestler from Cass to make it to the Semi-State, and he has his sights set high once again. “I want to make it to Semi-State again, and hopefully State this year, but it’s hard telling. There’s still a long road ahead.” Bowyer stated that his favorite memory of Cass wrestling was his experience at the Semi-State. “The place was huge and there were so many people… everything about that day was fun.”
Cass will wrestle in the Maconaquah Invite on Saturday at 9 AM. Then, they will wrestle Culver Community before they move on to the Three Rivers Conference tournament. For the final dual before sectionals, Cass will face off against Logansport. Coach Burrous is optimistic about the final matches for the team. Currently, the Lewis Cass Wrestling team has a record of 15-2, with a great chance to win the final three dual meets. Burrous stated, “If we can do that, that will be the highest win percentage of any team I have coached and the second-best in all of Lewis Cass wrestling history. This is a team that wants to improve and is willing to put in the work to make it happen.” For fans who are unable to attend the weekend tournament, make sure to come to senior night against Culver Community on Wednesday, January 15, at 6 PM. Go Kings!
