By: Ross Martin
In his first year at the helm, Bolivar coach Jeff Davis led the Liberators to the best season in program history. Yet, he could be poised to better that in 2019-20.
Bolivar returns seven Class 2 Missouri State Wrestling Championships qualifiers — including a trio of finalists — after placing second in the final team standings. The Liberators put up 109 points to finish as a somewhat surprising runnerup to runaway team champion Monett.
So how do you improve on just the second state trophy in program history and first since since a fourth-place showing in 2012? Davis will rely on the simple mantras that helped him build a successful program at Class 4 Waynesville and sustain a run of four top-four Class 4 showings during his time at Park Hill, which won state titles in each of his first two seasons.
“It is my expectation to continue to improve with each outing and display trust, commitment and gratitude for every practice and meet,” Davis said.
