As the mats are rolled out for another exhilarating season of Missouri high school wrestling, the spotlight shines on a new cohort of grapplers ready to test their mettle. The “Top Incoming Freshmen” report, for both boys and girls, for the 2023-24 season is brimming with promising young talent from across the state, a testament to the thriving wrestling culture that Missouri proudly nurtures. From the technical virtuosos who have been honing their skills since they could walk to the raw, untapped potential of newcomers who’ve recently discovered their passion for the sport, our report is a diverse showcase of athletes set to invigorate the wrestling scene with fresh fervor and ambition.
These young athletes embody the spirit of perseverance and strength, bringing new dynamics and perspectives to the sport. As we turn the page to the upcoming season, join us in celebrating these formidable young wrestlers who carry the future of Missouri high school wrestling on their shoulders.
| Name | School | Program | Accomplishments |
| Aaron Dillingham | Carl Junction | Boys | *5x Missouri Youth State Placer *Missouri Youth State Runner Up *Cadet Freestyle State Runner Up *Cadet Missouri National Team Member |
| Blaine Wallace | Odessa | Boys | multiple national champion, super 32 qualifier as 8th grader in high school division but did not attend, folkstyle state champ x1, freestyle state champ x3, greco state champ x4, fargo qualifier, won multiple high school divisions in national tournaments, been on many different national dual teams, wrestled for team missouri many times, have made the missouri national team multiple years in a row |
| Carli Vargas | Kearney | Girls | 3 x MO / USA State Champion 2022 BOYS MO / USA State Placer 2 x Winter National Champion 2 x MO / USA Freestyle Champion 2023 MO / USA Greco Roman State Champion 2022 3rd Place USA Preseason Nationals 2023 2nd Place USA Folkstyle Nationals 2023 Midwest Nationals Champion |
| Carson Barnes | Staley | Boys | 2023 MO USA State Champion 2023 Battle of Belt 2nd place 2023 MO Ozark Championship 1st place 2022 MO USA State 4th place 2022 MO USA Boys Greco State 2nd place 2022 MO USA Boys Freestyle State 4th place 2021 MO USA State 3rd place 2019 MO USA State 3rd place 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023: MO Region A Champion & MO District 1 Champion 2016 Liberty Nationals 5th place |
