A clear goal has guided Gryphon Price throughout his senior season with the Joplin High School wrestling program. “To make it to the state tournament,” Price said, a straightforward objective that reflects both his experience and his expectations after four years as a varsity starter.

The path has not been without challenges for the Eagles this winter. “It’s been good even though we’ve had injuries and lots of changes in the lineup,” Price said of the team’s season so far. Despite those adjustments, confidence has continued to grow inside the wrestling room. “We have been getting more confident on our feet and trusting our shots,” he said.

That growing belief ties directly into the team’s larger ambitions. “I think some goals for the team is to have multiple state qualifiers, and we are working hard in the room every day to achieve that,” Price said. Effort and resilience have become defining traits for Joplin. “I think the team has very good heart whenever on the mat and not giving up and not making it easy whether they are winning or losing,” he said.

As an upperclassman, Price embraces a leadership role. “I would like to say that I am a little bit of a leader in the aspect of pushing people to get better and leaving everything on the mat,” he said. That leadership shows itself in both preparation and competition.

When evaluating opponents, Price focuses on positioning. “I like to look for the leverage because I like to throw, but I also have a decent fireman’s carry, so leverage is very important on both of those things,” he said. His physical preparation has been consistent over time. “I work hard every day in practice, and I’ve been going hard in the weight room for some years now,” Price said.

Once he steps onto the mat, his focus narrows. “Whenever I step onto the mat I’m looking to win and improve each and every time,” he said. That approach mirrors the reputation he hopes to leave behind. “I would like my legacy to be of someone who worked hard and helped others work hard,” Price said.

The Eagles’ roster makeup is another point of pride. “That as a team, we are very young, only having three seniors along with two of our captains being sophomores,” Price said, noting the foundation being built for the future.

His favorite memory remains close to home. “My favorite memory would be getting my first win on varsity my freshman year,” Price said.

“I play football and wrestling, and I plan on attending college in pursuit of becoming a psychiatrist.”