Helias Catholic Wrestling 2025 Season Recap: State Success, Senior Leadership, and a Promising Future
As the 2025 winter wrestling season draws to a close, Helias Catholic High School’s program has plenty to celebrate. Under the guidance of Head Coach Kyle Markway, the Crusaders didn’t just meet expectations — they exceeded them. From standout performances at the state level to key dual wins that shaped their team identity, this season was a story of grit, growth, and a culture on the rise.
In a year marked by both individual and team milestones, the Helias wrestling squad proved that hard work, resilience, and unity can pave the way to success at the highest levels of competition.
A Season to Remember
“This season exceeded a lot of expectations,” said Coach Markway. That’s not an understatement. Helias Catholic won its district title, a testament to the depth and strength of the roster. Even more impressive, the team sent seven wrestlers to the state tournament, with four of them earning podium finishes.
Daemen Duemmel, Aleksandr Careaga, and Eli Homan all fought their way to a third-place finish at state.
Zyan Knollmeyer went even further, finishing as the state runner-up after an incredible season of growth and dominance.
The success at state wasn’t just about individual talent — it was a reflection of the team’s collective buy-in and relentless work ethic throughout the season.
Key Contributors: A Team Effort
Coach Markway credits his entire roster for the season’s success, emphasizing that different athletes stepped up in different ways — whether by scoring big wins on the mat or providing energy and leadership in practice.
“Some were consistent performers on the mat, others brought leadership and intensity in the room,” he noted. “Everyone played a role in building the momentum we needed to compete at a high level.”
The blend of seasoned upperclassmen and fast-developing underclassmen gave the team balance, resilience, and the drive to contend with top programs in the state.
Defining Moments
Every great season has a few moments that serve as turning points — and for Helias, several victories stand out.
The Crusaders knocked off Capital City, Jefferson City, and Nixa — each time on the opponent’s senior night. These weren’t just wins; they were statement performances.
“Those wins gave the team confidence and proved we could perform in high-pressure environments,” said Markway. “They were definitely turning points that helped shape the identity of our season.”
Winning tough road duals in hostile environments galvanized the team and showcased their toughness and composure.
Rising Stars
Among the athletes who made the biggest strides this year were Brock LePage and Zyan Knollmeyer. Both wrestlers made tremendous progress, and both earned state qualifications. Knollmeyer’s 2nd place finish capped off a season defined by hard work and transformation.
“Their commitment in the room and their growth as competitors stood out,” said Markway.
These breakout seasons not only contributed to Helias’s success this year but also set the tone for what’s to come in 2026.
Leadership That Matters
Though the team had only two seniors — Aleksandr Careaga and Dugan Williams — their impact was significant.
“They were outstanding teammates and leaders,” said Coach Markway. “They set the tone with their work ethic and competitiveness.”
Careaga, who placed third at state, served as both a role model and a driving force on the mat. Williams, meanwhile, brought consistency and spirit, helping to maintain a tight-knit, focused team culture.
In addition to the seniors, junior leaders like Eli Homan, Ben Hollee, and Brady Fann played key roles in maintaining accountability and energy throughout the season. This balance of leadership across grade levels gave Helias a unique blend of experience and hunger.
Overcoming Adversity
The true measure of a team often lies in how it responds to challenges. For Helias Catholic, adversity didn’t fracture the group — it strengthened them.
“This group showed a lot of mental toughness,” said Coach Markway. “They responded to adversity by staying together, supporting each other, and keeping their focus on improving every day.”
Whether battling through injuries, bouncing back from tough losses, or facing top-tier opponents, the Crusaders consistently responded with resilience and unity.
Looking Ahead: Building on a Strong Foundation
With the season complete, Coach Markway is already turning his attention to next year — and there’s a lot to be excited about.
“We’ve got a strong core of returners who’ve already shown they’re ready to take the next step,” he said. “Their experience, work ethic, and hunger to improve give us a great foundation.”
With several state placers and team leaders returning, expectations are already building for 2026. The team’s culture is trending upward, and the offseason will be a crucial time for continued development.
Offseason Focus
The Crusaders aren’t resting on their laurels. Coach Markway has clear goals for the offseason.
“We’re putting a big emphasis on strength and conditioning, technical refinement, and situational awareness,” he explained. “The offseason is a great time to close the gap — both physically and mentally — so we’re more prepared when the season comes around.”
By focusing on fundamentals and fitness, Helias hopes to return stronger and more dangerous when competition resumes.
Where to Follow the Crusaders
Fans and supporters can track the team’s progress and individual stats on Trackwrestling, a widely used platform for wrestling rankings and records. Coach Markway encourages anyone with questions or interest in the program to reach out — he’s always happy to help navigate the site or share more about the team’s journey.
Conclusion: A Team on the Rise
The 2025 Helias Catholic wrestling season was a showcase of what happens when talent, teamwork, and tenacity align. With a district title, multiple state placers, and signature wins over tough opponents, the Crusaders proved they belong among Missouri’s wrestling elite.
Under the leadership of Coach Markway and with a strong group of returners, the program is poised for even greater heights. As the offseason begins, the message is clear: this year was just the beginning.
Helias wrestling is building something special, and the best is yet to come.
Share With