On March 14th, Rhett Manley, a second grader at Fair Grove Elementary School, placed fifth overall in the boys Missouri USA State Championship. Rhett worked hard for months in preparation for this competition, with this hard work finally paying off.
In the 2025-2026 season, Rhett had a record of 44 wins, and only six losses. Coach Rueben Wait, the Fair Grove High School’s new Girls Head Wrestling coach, was one of many to help prepare Rhett for the state tournament. Rhett also attended Terminator Wrestling Academy in Fair Grove, Missouri.
A lot of time, preparation, and hard work went into winning fifth place. Rhett talked about how he competed in tournaments almost every weekend from November through March. In addition, Rhett would practice three times a week, and even more in preparation for the state tournament to guarantee he performed at his best.
Brandi and Jaryd Manley, Rhett’s parents, explained their excitement for Rhett’s accomplishments. Jaryd stated, “We are beyond proud of him. He is the one that told us at the beginning of the year he wanted to go to state and get a medal.” Jaryd continued, “A state medal is exactly what we worked for. He earned it for sure, and he worked his butt off to get where he is at.”
Rhett’s goal is to move forward with wrestling, in hopes of getting a scholarship for his future career of becoming an engineer. Rhett added, “I want to make lots of money, and own a lamborgini.”
To prepare for next year’s Missouri USA State Championships, Rhett will travel to bigger tournaments to ensure high level competition in hope to carve a path to a state title.
Rhett explained that he wants to work harder next year for tournaments and at state, wanting to earn a state title during the 2026-2027 school year!
