The Collinsville Cardinals grabbed seven state titles and a team title last year but come into the 2022-23 season ranked No. 2 behind Guthrie by OWrestle.com. The No. 2 ranking will certainly fire up the three returning state champions as Collinsville sets their sights on their sixth team title and second dual state title in a row.
Canon Acklin (Jr.) is the current champion at 106-pounds but will move up to 120-pounds this season. Acklin is the top ranked wrestler in Class 5A at that weight. Taking his place at 106 is Hudson Ballard. Ballard is ranked No. 2 at 106 and is one of the top wrestlers in the state at that weight.
Clay Gates (Sr.) returns for his final year and final push to be a state champion. The 2022 runner-up at 120-pounds will move to 126 where he is currently ranked No. 2. Hudson Henslick grabbed the title at 126-pounds and will move up to 132 this year. Henslick is ranked No. 3 behind No. 1 Kasen Miller from Carl Albert and No. 2 Tag Ensey from Duncan.
Cole Brooks is another state champion returning to the lineup for the Cardinals. Brooks won the title at 145-pounds and will stay at 144 this season. Brooks is the No. 1 ranked wrestler at that weight in Class 5A.
Hunter McBee comes into the season ranked No. 5 at heavyweight. McBee could be the key to the Cardinals repeating as dual and team state champions.
DID YOU KNOW
Collinsville’s first dual state title came in 2011. Other winners that year included Broken Arrow, Tuttle, and Perry.
