Returning four state qualifiers from a year ago, the Duncan Demons and head coach Ashton Cooper, are excited to see what this season holds for the program.
Seniors Dayton Cross, Tag Ensey, Devon Lolar, and Nathan Henry are all back for their final season of prep wrestling.
Ensey will likely move to 132/138 after placing fourth at state at 126-pounds last season. Ensey is a Southern Plains All-American and carries a 4.4 weighted GPA in the classroom. Cross, Lolar and Henry will all play key roles in the team’s overall success this season. Cross will wrestle at 144/150, while Lolar will wrestle HWT and Henry will come in at 165/175.
Some younger talent enters the fray this season.
Junior high state placer Felipe Villarreal (113/120, Fr.) is a promising young talent, as is Savion Markham-Simmons (106, Fr.) who is a OKUSA Cadet in Greco and a freestyle Fargo qualifier.
Also look for team captain Eli Ramirez (150/157, So.) to make some noise this season. Ramirez is a Brute Adidas Nationals All-American and placed 2nd at USJOC. OKUSA Cadet National Dual Team member, Garrett Henry (215, So.) is another promising young talent with a bright future.
Other team members to watch this season include Jack Ensey (Fr.), Trey Thomas (Fr.), Grayson Poland (Sr.), Rylen Samuels (Jr.), Blake Bumpas (Jr.), Paeton Dial (Jr.), Jaxon Simpson (So.), Kooper Kelly (Jr.), Bryson Tidwell (So.), Izaya Elix (So.), Drew Cook (Sr.), and Blake Boren (Sr.).
Duncan 3-Time State Champions
Casey Rowell 2007-09
Cody Rowell 2003-05
Ricky Stewart 1975-77
Duncan’s 1st State Champion
Robert Bosley (Hwt) 1965
Duncan’s Last State Champion
JP Martinez (138) 2022
VYPE Trivia
What year did Duncan win their first Team Championship?
A: 1980