Neosho wrestler Lincoln Howard and Carthage wrestler Kaylee James are the Zimmer Marketing Male and Female Athletes of the Week brought to you by JL Mobile Truck and Trailer Repair for the week ending Feb. 1.
Howard took first place at 165 pounds in the Central Ozark Conference tournament at Joplin last weekend. He scored 29 points to help lead the Wildcats with a first-place finish and ended the day with a 4-0 record, including three falls and a 16-4 win by major decision in the championship match.
“Lincoln is consistent with his attitude and efforts, and his performances have been evidence of these investments,” Neosho wrestling coach Jeremy Phillips said to Joplin Sports Hub. “As a freshman last year, he had the right fight and fell just short of being a state medalist. This year, he's coupled with his moxie, some technical and mental growth that has led to the results like last weekend.”
James continued her impressive season at the Central Ozark Conference Tournament with a first-place finish at 130 pounds. She finished the day with 28 total team points and went 4-0 on the day. She won the title match over Waynesville’s Destany Oster by fall 36 seconds into the first period.
“Kaylee is a physical wrestler who has seen great success to start this season, “ Carthage coach Nathan Kelly said. “The way she pushes the pace in a match allows her to find success even in close matches.”
Coaches can nominate athletes of the week by emailing the name, position, sport and stats/accolades to sports@zrimarketing.com.