The FZN boys and girls wrestling teams wrapped up the 2024 - 2025 season last weekend at the MSHSAA state tournament. The Panthers had two members of the girls team advance the the championships: Kate Cochran (100 lbs.) and Reaghan Jones (105 lbs.). Neither wrestler was able to advance at the tournament. Seven members of the boys team qualified: Chaz Mitchell (113 lbs.), Jake Bals (120 lbs.), Nathan Provost (126 lbs.), Carsten Burkemper (132 lbs.), Patrick Provost (138 lbs.) Drew Weston (150 lbs.) and Deacon Moran (190 lbs.). Both Nathan Provost and Moran earned spots in the top six to secure "All-State" status. Nathan Provost finished 6th to earn his fourth state medal. He becomes just the fifth Panther in school history to achieve such a feat. Provost battled injuries most of the year, which limited his match total. Despite the set-back, Provost won his first two matches at state to advance to the semi-final round where his lost a narrow decision to his opponent from Staley (Kansas City) High School. Provost lost his final two matches to finish 6th. Moran earned his second state medal. After finishing as the runner-up a season ago, Moran lost a highly contested semi-final match which sent him to the wrestle-backs. He won his wrestleback semi-final match to advance to the 3rd place match where he lost by a one point to finish 4th.
Of the other male competitors for FZN, all were able to win at least one match at state. Patrick Provost advanced to day-two where he lost in the proverbial "bubble" match to his opponent from North Point in overtime. As a team the Panthers finished in 15th place in the large school or Class 4 division. The Panthers had finished the season with a 15 - 2 dual meet record, including a perfect 5 - 0 in conference duals. With an undefeated conference record the boys were able to secure the GAC Central title, there first title since 2018 and first outright title since 2011. The team's standing at state was hurt with the loss of "All-State" and highly regarded Cole Aguirre (157 lbs.), who was injured in the last match of the regular season and was unable to compete in the post-season. Aguirre, along with Moran, P. Provost, Burkemper and Weston all return next season.
