Freshman Cooper Collins Wins State Wrestling Title

*Cooper Collins is declared the winner! (photo SKSlaughter).*

February 23, 2023, Columbia, MO – Excelsior Springs High School freshman Cooper Collins made history by winning the state championship in class 2 wrestling for the 113-pound weight division. Collins may be the first-ever Excelsior Springs freshman to finish first at state in wrestling. Missouri State High School Activities Association records don’t indicate grade level so ESHS school officials and coaches are doing some research to verify the results.

Collins had to overcome an early setback at the district competition, where he finished second to a wrestler from Mid-Buchanan, losing after getting “caught in a cradle move.” However, the top four at district competitions qualify for the state championship tournament, and Collins knew he had a chance to redeem himself.

“Let’s goooo!” Cooper was hyped after a big win *(photo SKSlaughter).*

The state championship was held at Mizzou Arena, a massive venue that left Collins feeling overwhelmed at first. But despite the initial shock, Collins was able to keep his composure and focus on the task at hand. He had a tough quarterfinals match but was able to defeat a fellow freshman wrestler from St. Genevieve with a record of 40-1 to move on to the semifinals.

In the semifinal match, Collins faced a familiar opponent from Kirksville whom he wrestled earlier in the year. “I got the first takedown in the match but I took a shot and started bleeding from both of my nose holes,” he explained excitedly. He said he was struggling to breathe throughout the match because of the bloody nose and his mouthpiece that helps protect his braces. “I kept spitting out my mouthpiece because I couldn’t I couldn’t breathe… and the ref told me, ‘spit it out one more time the other guy’s gonna get a point.’” Luckily, Collins held onto the mouthpiece and the lead, winning the match 8-5 and earning a spot in the finals.

Watch the final match recorded by Cooper’s mom Terah on the Excelsior Citizen Youtube Channel. “I was screaming with excitement and then I was crying tears of joy,” said Terah.

After waiting several hours for the final match, Collins went back to the arena floor hyped and ready to go. He explained the finals match saying, “You do the champions walk where you walk out and you shake hands with your opponent and then they clear the mats and you go back into the tunnel… when you go out there they have smoke machines and you run out… then they introduce you, where you’re from, your name and your record.” Collins took advantage of the big moment, winning the championship quickly by pinning his opponent just 1 minute and 24 seconds into the match.

*Atop the podium, celebrating with coaches and a look at the championship hardware (photos by Terah Collins, MSHSAA Instagram, and S Jason Cole).*

Collins’ journey to the championship was filled with hard work, dedication, and determination. His early experiences in youth wrestling undoubtedly provided him with the foundation he needed to succeed at the state level. He said he owes a lot to his parents (Scott and Terah Collins) and his coaches (Cody Beck and Shaun Marcum) who supported him along the way, “My mom, helped me make weight, and my dad helped encourage me and told me I can beat anybody in the state.”

Now Collins has a little time to relax and prepare for next season and he’s off his strict diet. “Drake Pollard (physical trainer at the Community Center) owes me ice cream. I made a bet with him over the summer that if I won state he’d buy me ice cream,” he grinned. Enjoy your ice cream and your state title Cooper, you’ve earned it!