Nate Kelly began his prep-wrestling career by advancing to the MSHSAA Wrestling Championships as a freshman.
Kelly, who is currently ranked fourth at 112 pounds in Class 3 by MissouriWrestling.com, returned to Columbia last season and came back with some hardware after finishing sixth in the state at 112 pounds.
This season, Kelly, now a junior, has put himself in a favorable position of a return trip to the state tournament. His hard work on the mat, of course, has translated into a slew of varsity wins over the past two-plus seasons.
In fact, Kelly recently notched his 100th career victory while competing with the Tigers at the Grandview Tournament on Saturday, Jan. 30. Since then, Kelly has continued to add to his overall record with victories this week over Seneca’s Tate Smith, who, by the way, just happens to be ranked No. 1 in Class 1 at 112 pounds, and McDonald County’s Gaspar Ocampo.
“It’s an awesome accomplishment,” said Kelly, after Friday’s season and home finale against McDonald County. “A lot of kids accomplish it now because we compete in a lot more matches.”
Reaching the 100-win plateau is still considered an extraordinary honor for any wrestler, but, as Kelly pointed out, 150 victories has become the new high-water mark. Even so, Kelly, who is in line to become a four-time state qualifier, joins an impressive list of Carthage wrestlers.
Only 16 other wrestlers in Carthage High School history have garnered 100 or more wins in their career — Kelly became the 17th to do it. More recently, Kelly joins former teammates Josh Mason, Clint Spencer and Austin Heidlage in the 100-win club.
Although Kelly, who has another year to go, earned his 100th victory by way of forfeit, he said it took nothing away from the accomplishment, and has set a new goal of 140 wins before the end of his career.
“One hundred wins is still a great accomplishment,” said Kelly. “Either way, it’s still an awesome thing to hit.”
