Dominance on the Mat: Coach Darren Lindsey Reflects on a Historic Season for Marion Wildcats Wrestling
For the Marion Wildcats wrestling program, the 2025 winter season was nothing short of extraordinary. Under the seasoned guidance of Head Coach Darren Lindsey, both the boys and girls wrestling teams reached new heights, combining individual brilliance with team resilience to write one of the most successful chapters in Marion High School wrestling history.
In his seventh year at the helm, Coach Lindsey has cultivated a culture of excellence, and this season, his efforts were rewarded with championships, record-setting performances, and a future that looks brighter than ever.
Boys Team: A Season of Strength and Resilience
The Marion Wildcats boys wrestling team posted an impressive 26-5 record, a mark that stands as the second-highest win total in school history. That feat alone would be cause for celebration, but the team accomplished far more.
Marion clinched the South 7 Conference title, their second straight and third in the last four years. It also marked the sixth conference championship in school history—clear evidence of a program not only thriving in the present but building a strong tradition of winning.
The Wildcats didn’t stop there. They went on to claim the Williamson County Cup and secured the IHSA Boys Regional Championship—just the second time Marion has earned that title.
Coach Lindsey couldn’t be prouder of his squad. “It was a special group,” he shared. “The way these guys competed, pushed each other, and overcame adversity says a lot about their character and commitment to this team.”
Despite falling short of sending wrestlers to the state tournament—a disappointment that Coach Lindsey attributed in part to an untimely flu bug affecting much of the team during the individual IHSA Sectionals—the season was still an unqualified success.
“I really believe we would have had several state qualifiers if we had been fully healthy,” he said. “But that’s part of the sport—sometimes things just don’t break your way. Still, I’m proud of how our boys handled it.”
Standout Performances: Boys Team
The Wildcats were led by a formidable core of eight wrestlers who each surpassed 30 wins on the season—an incredible statistic that speaks to the depth and consistency of the lineup.
Tate Miller led the charge, finishing his senior campaign with a 40-11 record. A cornerstone of the program, Miller’s leadership on and off the mat was instrumental in Marion’s success. His dedication paid off, as he signed to continue his wrestling career at Quincy University.
Caden Frey followed closely behind at 38-8, demonstrating elite skill and stamina throughout the season.
Other top performers included Bryan Madinger (38-11), Evan Francis (35-13), Rigdon Meacham (34-19), Max Wade (34-14), Nate Oage (33-15), and Justin Murphy (33-11)—each playing a pivotal role in the team’s success.
Coach Lindsey praised the hard work and selflessness of his athletes: “They embraced the grind. No one cared who got the glory. It was all about the team.”
Girls Team: A Perfect Season with Championship Pedigree
While the boys were busy setting records, the Marion Wildcats girls wrestling team quietly put together a flawless and equally historic campaign. The girls went a perfect 11-0 in duals, captured the Murdale Tournament title, and added the Williamson County Cup to their trophy case.
Their performance at the Marion Girls Invitational—a massive event featuring 28 teams—was a standout moment. The Lady Wildcats finished second overall, underscoring their status as one of the top programs in the region.
“This group came to compete every day,” said Coach Lindsey. “They’ve set the bar incredibly high for what girls wrestling can be at Marion.”
Standout Performances: Girls Team
The girls were led by Alauni Muex, who posted a remarkable 36-8 record and established herself as a force on the mat. Her agility, aggression, and technique were unmatched throughout the season.
Supporting Muex were four more wrestlers who each notched 20+ wins:
Olivia McDermott (26-10): A senior standout who provided consistency and poise in crucial matches. McDermott will continue her wrestling journey at McKendree College, one of the top programs in the country.
Melissa Comerford (26-12), Joelene Nappier Feth (26-15), and Brooke Phemister (20-14) also delivered key victories throughout the season, adding depth and versatility to the squad.
“These girls pushed each other every practice,” said Lindsey. “They’re not just good wrestlers—they’re great teammates, and that makes a huge difference.”
A Legacy of Leadership
The impact of seniors like Tate Miller and Olivia McDermott extends far beyond wins and pins. They set the tone for both programs with their leadership, work ethic, and passion.
“Tate and Olivia represent everything we want this program to be about,” Coach Lindsey said. “They’ve left a legacy that will inspire future Wildcats for years to come.”
Looking Ahead
Despite losing key seniors, the future of Marion Wildcats wrestling is filled with promise. With most of the roster set to return, and with a deep bench of underclassmen already contributing, Coach Lindsey is confident the program will continue to rise.
“Our goals don’t change,” he said. “We want to compete at the highest level, develop our athletes on and off the mat, and keep building a championship culture.”
A Coaching Milestone
Coach Darren Lindsey’s impact on the program cannot be overstated. With this season’s results, he now boasts a 168-39 dual record over his seven-year tenure. That includes:
2 IHSA Regional Championships
4 South 7 Conference Titles
Numerous individual accolades and college signings
“It’s not about me,” Lindsey humbly stated. “It’s about these kids, their families, and our incredible coaching staff. I’m just proud to be part of something so special.”
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season was a landmark campaign for Marion High School wrestling. From conference championships and undefeated duals to individual excellence and new school records, the Wildcats have solidified their place as a wrestling powerhouse.
Whether on the boys’ or girls’ side, one thing is clear: Marion wrestles with heart, pride, and purpose. And under Coach Lindsey’s leadership, the best may still be yet to come.
, Evan Francis (35-13), Rigdon Meacham (34-19), Max Wade (34-14), Nate Oage (33-15), and Justin Murphy (33-11)—each playing a pivotal role in the team’s success.
Coach Lindsey praised the hard work and selflessness of his athletes: “They embraced the grind. No one cared who got the glory. It was all about the team.”
Girls Team: A Perfect Season with Championship Pedigree
While the boys were busy setting records, the Marion Wildcats girls wrestling team quietly put together a flawless and equally historic campaign. The girls went a perfect 11-0 in duals, captured the Murdale Tournament title, and added the Williamson County Cup to their trophy case.
Their performance at the Marion Girls Invitational—a massive event featuring 28 teams—was a standout moment. The Lady Wildcats finished second overall, underscoring their status as one of the top programs in the region.
“This group came to compete every day,” said Coach Lindsey. “They’ve set the bar incredibly high for what girls wrestling can be at Marion.”
Standout Performances: Girls Team
The girls were led by Alauni Muex, who posted a remarkable 36-8 record and established herself as a force on the mat. Her agility, aggression, and technique were unmatched throughout the season.
Supporting Muex were four more wrestlers who each notched 20+ wins:
Olivia McDermott (26-10): A senior standout who provided consistency and poise in crucial matches. McDermott will continue her wrestling journey at McKendree College, one of the top programs in the country.
Melissa Comerford (26-12), Joelene Nappier Feth (26-15), and Brooke Phemister (20-14) also delivered key victories throughout the season, adding depth and versatility to the squad.
“These girls pushed each other every practice,” said Lindsey. “They’re not just good wrestlers—they’re great teammates, and that makes a huge difference.”
A Legacy of Leadership
The impact of seniors like Tate Miller and Olivia McDermott extends far beyond wins and pins. They set the tone for both programs with their leadership, work ethic, and passion.
“Tate and Olivia represent everything we want this program to be about,” Coach Lindsey said. “They’ve left a legacy that will inspire future Wildcats for years to come.”
Looking Ahead
Despite losing key seniors, the future of Marion Wildcats wrestling is filled with promise. With most of the roster set to return, and with a deep bench of underclassmen already contributing, Coach Lindsey is confident the program will continue to rise.
“Our goals don’t change,” he said. “We want to compete at the highest level, develop our athletes on and off the mat, and keep building a championship culture.”
A Coaching Milestone
Coach Darren Lindsey’s impact on the program cannot be overstated. With this season’s results, he now boasts a 168-39 dual record over his seven-year tenure. That includes:
2 IHSA Regional Championships
4 South 7 Conference Titles
Numerous individual accolades and college signings
“It’s not about me,” Lindsey humbly stated. “It’s about these kids, their families, and our incredible coaching staff. I’m just proud to be part of something so special.”
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season was a landmark campaign for Marion High School wrestling. From conference championships and undefeated duals to individual excellence and new school records, the Wildcats have solidified their place as a wrestling powerhouse.
Whether on the boys’ or girls’ side, one thing is clear: Marion wrestles with heart, pride, and purpose. And under Coach Lindsey’s leadership, the best may still be yet to come.)
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