Growth and Dedication: MMA 2024-25 Wrestling Preview

The Missouri Military Academy (MMA) wrestling team is gearing up for a 2024-25 season of growth, dedication and hard work. Head coach Levi Iman is optimistic about the team's prospects, especially with a larger senior class returning for another year. 

"This season is setting up to be a continuation of last season, in that we are bringing back a much larger group of seniors than we have in several years," Iman says. "Several have been with us for at least three years."

Iman's primary goal for the team this year extends beyond the mat. "My goals are to help instill in these cadets the importance of hard work and dedication not just to the sport but in all facets of their lives," he says. He is also focused on achieving team-specific goals, such as filling all 14 weight classes for duals and earning a return trip to the state tournament.

Iman says a key player this season is Cadet Deonte Kerns, named team captain, alongside returning state qualifier Ryan Miles. "They have both put in a lot of work in the off-season to stay in shape and hit the weight room," Iman says.

For Iman, success comes through consistent effort and teamwork. "What we ask of the cadets is to be at practice every day and push each other to be better," he says. "Wrestling is the toughest sport there is. We will have hard practices and face some tough losses through the season, but the victories will be that much better because of those."

While the season will undoubtedly present challenges, Coach Iman remains confident that the hard work will pay off.