BREAKING: In a historic achievement, the North Callaway Thunderbirds have secured their first-ever wrestling trophy, finishing third at the Class 1 boys wrestling championships held at Mizzou Arena in Columbia on March 2, 2026. This remarkable morning saw four T-Birds advance to the finals, culminating in a total of 105 points.
The Thunderbirds’ success comes just behind Centralia, who scored 115.5 points, and Marceline with 106.5 points. The competition on Day 2 was intense, but Kellen Long and Collin Moore emerged as champions, winning state titles in their respective weight classes of 157 and 165 pounds.
Kellen Long, now a four-time state medalist, achieved his first state title by pinning Polo’s Chase Wilson. Meanwhile, Collin Moore made history as a back-to-back state champion, narrowly defeating Cole Camp’s Grant Rodriguez with a score of 3-2 in overtime.
The Thunderbirds also boasted additional medalists, with Hunter Long finishing second at 215 pounds, Gunnar Wenneker securing second at 285 pounds, and Wyatt Haden claiming sixth at 175 pounds.
This momentous victory not only marks a significant milestone for North Callaway wrestling but also sets a new standard for athletic excellence in the program. The team’s determination and hard work have paid off, and their historic achievement is a source of pride for the entire community.
As North Callaway celebrates this groundbreaking accomplishment, fans and supporters are encouraged to look out for more detailed coverage in the upcoming Wednesday edition of the Mexico Ledger.
For those interested in commemorating this victory, photo reprints are available by contacting the Mexico Ledger office at 573-581-1111. This victory is a testament to the spirit of North Callaway and a moment that will be remembered for years to come.
