Goals Set. Goals Achieved. Two State Medalists for MMA Wrestling

Missouri Military Academy proudly celebrates Cadet Deonte Kerns and Cadet Mason Quarles as state wrestling medalists.

Competing at the state tournament, Quarles, a high school senior from Parkville, Missouri, earned 4th place at 157 lbs., while Kerns, a high school senior from Lincoln, Nebraska, secured 6th place at 150 lbs. 

Both cadets showcased remarkable mental strength and preparation, rising above adversity as each confronted — and ultimately overcame — an opponent who had previously defeated him.

Quarles faced early adversity, dropping his first-round match to Emory Crawford last year’s state champion from El Dorado Springs High School. On day two, he battled back through the bracket — and in a moment of redemption, he pinned the defending champion.

Cadet Quarles takes on an opponent during the state wrestling tournament on February 25, 2026.

Kerns’ path to the podium was equally intense. In his bubble match on Thursday morning, he faced California High School’s 150-pound wrestler, Jackson Barnard, a familiar district opponent. The two had split previous meetings, with Kerns winning at MMA’s home tournament before falling to Farmer at districts. This time, Kerns entered the match mentally prepared and determined. He secured the win when it mattered most, advancing to the medal round and guaranteeing his place on the podium.

Cadet Kerns squares off against his competitor in a state wrestling tournament match on February 25, 2026.

According to head wrestling coach Levi Iman, both Kerns and Quarles consistently demonstrated perseverance not only during the state tournament but throughout the entire season. 

"Both dug deep and pushed on, knowing the work they put in, the sacrifices they made and the pain of loss throughout the season would get them to state and on the podium," Iman said about the cadets' dedication and discipline. 

Iman shared how proud he is of the way they earned their medal status.

“They have invested so much into their wrestling careers, and to have a teammate beside them to share that moment makes it even more meaningful. Together, they’ve raised the standard for MMA wrestling in more ways than one," he said.

Cadet Quarles on the champions’ podium at the 2026 MSHSAA state wrestling competition at Mizzou Arena, Columbia, MO, February 26, 2026. Photo courtesy of Jeremy Jacob, Mexico Ledger.

Cadet Kerns on the champions’ podium at the 2026 MSHSAA state wrestling competition at Mizzou Arena, Columbia, MO, February 26, 2026. Photo courtesy of Jeremy Jacob, Mexico Ledger.

Pictured (left to right): Coach Elliot Rice, Cadet Deonte Kerns, Cadet Mason Quarles and Coach Levi Iman.

This achievement marks just the third time in MMA wrestling history that two cadets have earned state medals in the same year.

These cadets represented MMA with resilience, honor and distinction.