Kaylee Davis

Writer

Since entering 2023, the Marlow high school Outlaw and Lady Outlaw wrestling teams have been tackling their events, attending tournaments as well as one of the year’s first major events, Homecoming.

The Homecoming was typically planned to take place on Tuesday, Jan. 24, alongside a dual against Newcastle, but due to weather, it was rescheduled.

After two rescheduling, the match itself was canceled and the ceremony was moved to Monday, Feb. 6.

The Homecoming court consisted of seniors Brooklyn Castle, Parker Hayes, Ensley Long and Sage Minyard.

Castle was escorted by senior Brayden Bowman, Hayes by junior Cade Gilbert, Long by senior Lane Jones and Minyard by senior Keenan Simpson.

After the royalty gathered in the court, crowning captawin Gehrig Furr awarded Hayes with the role of Homecoming queen, Gilbert being Homecoming King.

“I really enjoyed being an escort to the Homecoming Queen my junior year,” Gilbert expressed. “I plan on improving through the rest of the season by working hard in practice every day and running hard on our morning runs.”

Due to rescheduling, Homecoming occurred at the same time as senior night, giving recognition to seniors involved with the wrestling season, through wrestling, managing, cheering and being members of the school spirit team.

Castle was a part of the senior night line up, being recognized for her participation in her weight class of 120 pounds.

Castle just returned to wrestling this year and competes as one of the only Lady Outlaw wrestlers, learning new wrestling moves as well as experience.

“I like wrestling because it is individual , but you work together as a team to get where you are,” Castle said. “It has taught me to always keep going no matter how hard things get.”

After attending Homecoming and senior night, the wrestling teams moved on to their regional and state tournaments.

The varsity teams attended the 3A Dual State tournament on Friday, Feb. 10 and Saturday, Feb. 11.

The Outlaw and Lady Outlaw wrestlers traveled to the Stride Bank Center in Enid, OK, and had teams competing in quarter final, semi-final and final matches.

For the tournament, each team had one student per weight class, the top student from each match earning points for their team. 

Marlow wrestled against Berryhill Chiefs and Maidens in the quarter finals, finishing with a score of 55-18.

The Outlaws went on to compete against the Sulphur Bulldogs in the semifinals, finishing with a score of 57-15.

Finally, the Outlaws moved on to compete against the Blackwell Maroon Spirit’s in the finals, being defeated with a final score of 38-32 and ending with a final placing of second in the tournament.

Sophomore Parker Davis has wrestled since the seventh grade and attended the tournament to watch the other wrestlers..

“Watching the tournament taught me to never give up in matches,” Gilbert said. “I will use these lessons by trying my hardest in the future.”

Like all tournaments, Dual State required additional work outside of the matches, including organization, cleaning and scorekeeping.

At the tournament, as well as practices and other tournaments, these responsibilities were completed by wrestling managers from various teams. 

The managers have not only spent the season helping the team, but they have also seen them grow in teamwork and skill.

Throughout their season, both the girls and boys teams have improved, working with coaches Keith Kizarr and Andy Howington.

Kizarr has coached Marlow’s wrestling team for 25 years, serving as the head coach of the high school team.

“Around regionals and state, our practice changes in the way that we will actually practice with other teams,” Kizarr said. “We are getting into the best shape of the season now and should be at our best come state tournament.”

The Outlaw and Lady Outlaw wrestling teams will continue to improve as they continue into their regional and state tournaments, their next event being regionals, taking place at Plainview on Friday, Feb. 17 and Saturday, Feb. 18.

After regionals, qualifying wrestlers will move on to the state tournament, which will take place on Friday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, Feb. 25