ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - The Maryville Saints wrestling program has found an unlikely source of inspiration in Bo, a dog rescued from the side of a highway who now serves as the team’s mascot.
The Saints embrace their underdog status, with wrestlers saying they prefer being counted out by opponents and rankings.
Last year, senior Cole Ritter was seeded fifth at the national championships but won the 174-pound Division II national title. Ryan Herman, now on the Saints coaching staff, also finished at the top of the medal stand.
Those championship finishes have shaped the team’s expectations for this season.
“We have a group that’s less comfortable with being mediocre. They have higher expectations for themselves,” Herman said.
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Bo has become central to the team’s identity and morale.
The team sees parallels between Bo’s story and their own program’s journey.
The Saints roster includes wrestlers from war-torn countries, including Ukraine and Afghanistan.
Despite their diverse backgrounds, the team remains focused on one objective: to win a national championship.
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