Carthage High School Selects Mike Frizzell to Lead Wrestling Program

Carthage High School is excited to announce that Mike Frizzell has been named the next Head Wrestling Coach. Coach Frizzell brings a strong record of success, along with high-level competitive experience and a passion for building winning programs.

Coach Frizzell most recently served as the Head Girls and Boys Wrestling Coach at Carl Junction High School for the past seven  years. During his time there, he led his teams to consistent success, earning two District Coach of the Year honors and guiding his program to two district championships. His teams also captured three conference titles, including one in the COC and two in the OMC, while he was named Conference Coach of the Year three times.

Under his leadership, Carl Junction produced five top-six team finishes at the state level, along with three individual state champions, eight state runner-ups, and 28 total state medalists. His ability to develop athletes and build a competitive culture has been a defining part of his coaching career.

As an athlete, Coach Frizzell brings elite-level experience to the program. He was a four-time high school state medalist at Carl Junction, including one runner-up finish and two state championships. He also earned USA Wrestling All-American honors twice. At the collegiate level, he became a three-time NCAA Division II All-American and compiled an outstanding career record of 86-17.

“I’m truly honored and grateful for the opportunity to step into the role of Head Wrestling Coach of both the boys and girls programs. Thank you to the  Carthage school and administration for the trust and confidence in me - it means a great deal,” said Coach Frizzell. “I’m excited to build a strong foundation from the ground up and to work with such dedicated student athletes. Wrestling teaches discipline, resilience, and character, and I look forward to helping our athletes grow both on and off the mat. I cannot wait to get started, connect with the team, and be part of something special. Go Tigers!!”

Carthage Athletics and Activities Director Dustin Perkins said, “Thank you to Coach Nathan Kelly for the time and energy he has poured into our boys and girls wrestling programs. We definitely appreciate everything he has done. We are very fortunate to have a coach the caliber of Mike Frizzell leading our program into the future. His resume speaks for itself. Mike will bring passion into Carthage Wrestling on day one. He has the knowledge and experience to lead Tiger Wrestling to the top. I know our wrestlers and fans are excited about our program.”

Carthage High School looks forward to the experience, leadership, and competitive energy Coach Frizzell will bring to Tiger Wrestling.