BREAKING NEWS: North Callaway’s Thunderbirds have made history by clinching their first-ever wrestling trophy at the Class 1 boys wrestling championships, held on March 2, 2026, at Mizzou Arena in Columbia. The team secured a third-place finish with a total of 105 points, marking a monumental achievement for the program.
In an electrifying morning, the Thunderbirds sent four wrestlers to the finals, showcasing their talent and determination on the mat. Kellen Long and Collin Moore led the charge, both winning state titles in their respective weight classes. Long captured the championship at 157 pounds after pinning Polo’s Chase Wilson, while Moore triumphed at 165 pounds, defeating Cole Camp’s Grant Rodriguez in a nail-biting 3-2 overtime victory.
This tournament not only highlights the skill of these athletes but also the unwavering spirit of the entire North Callaway program. Long, now a four-time state medalist, celebrates his first state title, while Moore adds another championship to his impressive resume as a back-to-back state champion.
In addition to the champions, the Thunderbirds boasted a strong lineup of medalists. Hunter Long finished second at 215 pounds, followed closely by Gunnar Wenneker, who also took home a second-place finish at 285 pounds. Wyatt Haden rounded out the team’s success with a sixth-place finish at 175 pounds.
The Thunderbirds finished the event just behind Centralia, who scored 115.5 points, and Marceline with 106.5 points. This close competition adds to the significance of their achievement, highlighting the strength of their performance throughout the tournament.
LOOKING AHEAD: The North Callaway Thunderbirds’ success at this championship will undoubtedly inspire future generations of wrestlers in the program. Fans and supporters are encouraged to celebrate this historic moment and share their congratulations with the team.
For full coverage of this remarkable event, stay tuned for detailed stories in upcoming editions of local publications, including the Mexico Ledger.
As excitement continues to build around the Thunderbirds’ groundbreaking achievement, expect to see more highlights and updates as the wrestling community celebrates this extraordinary milestone.
