UPDATE: The North Callaway Thunderbirds made history this morning by capturing their first-ever wrestling trophy at the Class 1 boys wrestling championships held at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri. This milestone victory comes as the Thunderbirds secured third place with an impressive 105 points.
In a thrilling Day 2 of competition on March 4, 2026, the Thunderbirds showcased their strength, sending four wrestlers to the finals. Kellen Long and Collin Moore emerged victorious, clinching state titles in the 157 and 165 pound weight classes, respectively. Their victories not only highlight their individual talents but also mark a significant achievement for the entire North Callaway program.
Kellen Long, a four-time state medalist, captured his first state title after defeating Chase Wilson from Polo by pinfall. Meanwhile, Collin Moore solidified his status as a dominant force in the sport, becoming a back-to-back state champion with a nail-biting 3-2 overtime victory against Grant Rodriguez of Cole Camp.
The Thunderbirds’ success didn’t stop there. Hunter Long finished strong in second place at 215 pounds, while Gunnar Wenneker also took second at 285 pounds. Wyatt Haden rounded out the team’s accomplishments with a sixth-place finish at 175 pounds.
Despite their strong performance, North Callaway finished just shy of the top two, trailing behind Centralia with 115.5 points and Marceline at 106.5 points. However, the achievement of securing their first state team trophy has made this day unforgettable for the Thunderbirds and their supporters.
Fans and families are encouraged to stay tuned for comprehensive coverage of the state wrestling championships in the upcoming edition of the Mexico Ledger.
This historic win not only signifies a breakthrough for North Callaway wrestling but also inspires future athletes to strive for excellence. The Thunderbirds’ journey will undoubtedly be a source of pride for the community and a shining example of dedication and hard work in sports.
As the excitement unfolds, wrestling enthusiasts and supporters are urged to share this incredible achievement across social media platforms to celebrate the Thunderbirds’ historic moment.
