It was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Rogers High wrestling team. The Mounties returned just three starters and five total athletes with varsity wrestling experience, and coach Ken Simmons said before the season started that a lot of wrestlers would have to step up.
“We basically have a bunch of kids that haven’t been tested yet,” Simmons said in November.
The Mounties easily passed the test. Rogers was solid from the start and was unstoppable during the regular season, compiling a 33-3 dual record while winning six tournaments. The Mounties won two twice more to cap a memorable season with eight tournament wins.
First, Rogers won the inaugural Arkansas Wrestling Coaches & Officials Association Class 6A-7A Dual State Championship, then the Mounties capped off the season by winning the Class 6A-7A state championship in Little Rock, edging past crosstown rival Rogers Heritage for the title.
For his efforts, Simmons was named the All-NWADG Wrestling Coach of the Year.
“It was a great run this year,” Simmons said. “We didn’t have a lot coming back from last year but the guys really stepped up and performed well all year long. Lots of team chemistry and they cared about each other.
“Best team ever here at Rogers and it will be hard to match these results in the coming years.”
— Paul Nielsen • @NWAPaul