Mullen Wrestling Broncos succeed with young group
After coming off a State Runner-Up finish in 2020, the Broncos of Mullen had several different holes they had to fill in this season. Despite this, the Broncos underclassmen rose to the occasion to have a very successful year which resulted in an MNAC Conference Championship and a District Runner-Up finish by one point.
It’s pretty incredible to think about how well Mullen did this season, despite losing two State Champs from 2020 in Teven Marshall and Clayton Hassett. It speaks to the dedication and work the Bronco wrestlers put in to become better each and every day.
Despite the success throughout the season, the Class D State Tournament
was a learning experience for several of the wrestlers this year. All six qualifiers won at least one match, but only two were able to bring home medals.
Those two wrestlers that earned medals were Eli Paxton at 113 pounds and Spencer DeNayer at 152 pounds. After getting Runner-Up last year Paxton finished fifth, and DeNayer earned his first state medal with a sixthplace finish.
“Having all six of our qualifiers win at least one match was great, every one of them will have that experience to lead off with next year,” Mullen Coach Russ Monette said. “We didn’t have anyone win in the semi-finals, so that meant everyone had to roll their sleeves up on the consolation side of the bracket and fight back for a medal the hard way. Spencer and Eli did a great job of staying in the fight and earning their medals.”
Overall, Mullen finished in 14th place in Class D with 49 points. There is no doubt the Broncos will be able to improve on that next year with the experience they bring back if they can stay healthy throughout
the season.
“This entire season our guys have surpassed expectations, and I have been proud of them all year,” Monette said. “As we didn’t have any seniors
this year, we are looking forward to the potential of having a great season next year.”