Posted on 02/22/2018
The Francis Howell High School wrestling program has continued its tradition of success this year, finishing eighth at the MSHSAA State Wrestling Meet in February, and medaling three wrestlers, including two state champions. Peter Enos and Jack Flynn became the 30th and 31st State Champions in the FHHS wrestling program’s storied history.
The Viking wrestlers were already coming off a GAC South Championship and District Championship heading into the three-day meet. The team started the meet with nine state qualifiers and ended medaling three, including the State Championship wins by Enos and Flynn. Josh Kyle was the other medalist, earning a fifth place finish.
Kevin Stroh has been with the team for 16 years, 12 of those as the head coach. He coaches because he loves the sport; but more importantly to him, he enjoys helping students grow. This team has certainly grown under his leadership. In addition to the two state champions, Stroh was ecstatic over how hard his team worked to achieve such a great overall finish at state. “I was very happy we won GAC South, GAC Tournament, and Districts before finishing eighth in the state tournament,” Coach Stroh said, “the fifth year in a row we have been in the top 10. This was a true team with everyone pulling their weight in meets. The District competition is a perfect example, as all wrestlers scored points in the tournament.”
The state champions, Enos and Flynn, looked at home on that first place platform, as winning is exactly what they do. The addition of their state championships now brings the storied Viking Wrestling program to 31 State Champions in its history.
Enos won the State Championship in the 152 lbs. weight division, finishing his senior season 49-2. Enos tagged in on his new team very quickly – he had previously won two state championships in Nevada before transferring to the mats at FHHS, and was a team leader from the very first day he set foot in the Howell Wrestling room. He is very calm under pressure and dominated the competition at the state tournament. His success comes from a love of the sport and passion to be the best.
Flynn finished the season undefeated at 47-0 in the 195 lbs. weight division. He will be furthering his education and wrestling at Mizzou next season. Coach Stroh said, “After being denied the state title last year, he worked the last 365 days to get back and win it. He is the type of kid whom, as a parent, you hope your own son grows up to be like. He is Howell's 17th undefeated state champion in our history.”
These wrestlers are pinning things down in the classroom, as well, earning a 3.03 cumulative GPA during the first semester. Winning state championships is one thing, but continuing the great tradition that is FHHS Viking Wrestling is even better.