Missouri Wrestling
By: Ross Martin
For all of the continual success at Platte County, the program’s roots go back to making the most of the talent available and continual — occasionally gradual — success. The Pirates will embrace that mentality this year with one of the most inexperienced rosters in recent memory
Platte County graduated two of their three medalists from last year’s uncharacteristic 12th-place team finish in the Class 3 Missouri State Wrestling Championships. Pirates coach Reggie Burress will now look to rebuild behind an interesting mix of one certified state title contender, a handful of returning qualifiers looking to take the next step, a pair of intriguing transfers and anyone else earning the opportunity to crack the lineup.
“Sometimes we take the kids who maybe aren’t the blue chip kids and we find a way to make them get better, get them to the state tournament, give themselves a chance to get a state medal,” Burress said. “In the end, that’s why we do this, and that’s what we’re about at Platte County.”
Last season, Platte County saw its streak of consecutive years with at least one state champion end at five. The Pirates were also without a state finalist for the first time since 2011-2012.
