Marlow Wrestlers exhibit mettle; Chase 1st girl state champ in MHS history

Marlow's wrestling program is building champions. This year, 12 members went to state, six returned with 1st place titles, and four more earned 2nd and 3rd place medals. Marlow also claimed victory as a team in the 3A division with 175 points, Blackwell 2nd with 160 points, and Pawnee in 3rd with 56.5 points. Another bonus is Coach Andy Howington was named the Coach of the Year for 3A.

In Marlow's top tier were four senior boys, and two juniors, one of those a girl, Aleah Chase. She is the first girl in MHS history to win a state wrestling championship. Marlow Outlaw Athletics live-streamed her 5A Class match on social media when it happened. Chase exhibited a range of emotions, from surprise to tears and so much joy she nearly tackled Coach Andy Howington with a big hug. Seniors Zach Dawson, Lawson Knox, Cade Gilbert and Marcus Williams and junior Brantz Bateman round out the 1st placers for Marlow. Tommy Miller and Keller Kizarr placed 2nd, and Brock Smith and Jaxson Murray placed 3rd.

Of the seniors, two are first-year students at MHS, but like the others, have been wrestling most of their life. Chase moved from Woodward and Marcus Miller transferred in from Albuquerque, N.M. All the champions said they've been wrestling since around 4 or 5 years old.

Chase was inspired by her cousins and grew up wrestling in the boys' brackets until she was in middle school. This is her 8th year to wrestle. She said her cousins, all boys, encouraged her, but her brother always told her she couldn't do it. "So, I wanted to prove him wrong."

Going to state was an emotional event for her, but not because she's a girl, as she displays an attitude just like her counterparts.

"Before the match, I was thinking how I could pin her." Moving to a new school this year was hard enough, but she also lost her biggest fan and father, David Chase, who died Sept. 22, 2023. "After I won, all I thought about was my dad and how proud he would be of me, and that I finally did it and all I accomplished and made history." She is the daughter of Cassandra Eslick.

This was Zach Dawson's first time to win an individual state championship, and he's been to state the previous two years. He was also an Outlaw football player. He's had a few injuries this year ranging from breaking his pinky finger to a few chipped teeth. "First thing after the win, I wanted to hug my mom, she's one of my biggest fans," he said. His parents are Amy and Ben Dawson. He said his parents and all his grandparents have been cheering him on for years. Grandparents Paul Dawson, Janice Cain, Vicki Dawson and Lynn Cain were all there to witness his big moment.

"I wanted to celebrate after but didn't want any team points to get taken away, but did give a reaction." Going into the match, all he could think of was "don't lose." He has plans to wrestle in college, but has not committed yet.

Marcus Williams said this was his 4[th] state championship, with the first three earned in New Mexico. "It was cool, another accomplishment in my books," he said. Williams has already committed to the university in Little Rock, AR. "I'll do more wrestling next year." All the team members increase their strength with weight lifting year-round. Williams in the son of Vanessa and Christino Williams.

Lawson Knox returned to the state floor this year with no plans to repeat last year's visit. "I had a pretty upsetting ending in the finals last year, when I was winning, got caught on my back and pinned." Winning the state championship on Saturday at the Jim Norick Arena in Oklahoma City was another great moment for this senior. "It was a feeling I haven't felt before ever, it was pretty cool. When we won football and wrestling events, it was a great feeling, but doing it individually yourself is a different feeling." His parents, Amy and Craig Knox, his girlfriend, brother and other family members were there to cheer him on. Knox hasn't decided if he will do any more sports this senior year and will probably focus on academics.

Knox recently committed to Murray State College on a fishing scholarship, making that pen-to-paper moment with his friend and classmate Hunter Miller.

This was Cade Gilbert's second time to return from the state meet with a championship title. "I won last year. This year was cool, not as good as the first year, but definitely cool to look up in the stands and see all the Marlow people there to support." He also is a member of the Outlaw football team and managed to make it through his senior year with no injuries. He's the son of Chad and Misty Gilbert. He said seeing them, and his girlfriend, grandparents and "everyone from Marlow" was rewarding. Meanwhile, he's taking a break from sports since he knows next year will be demanding as he too will be committed to wrestling, along with Williams, at the Univ. of Little Rock in Arkansas.

"This weekend was special for me and our team. Winning my second individual title was a huge step towards my future goals. I am beyond thankful for my coaches, teammates and our fans," Gilbert said.

Brantz Bateman said wrestling is a major factor in his life. The Marlow native secured his win this year as a junior, and has another chance next year for a repeat. "It's kind of my life and means a lot to me. I expected to win, but didn't expect how I did," he said. Bateman explained that he anticipated a struggle on the mat, but it was a quick pin. He felt vindicated after his Regional match a week earlier. "I was kind of mad because I should have beat the kid worse than I did." His parents, Shawn and Shanna Bateman, along with a large gathering of family were there for the big event.

"Well done is better than well said," he shared with Coach Andy Howington. As for the coach, Bateman echoed what his teammates feel.

"He's a great coach, always encouraging, always has our back all the time."