Progress has been the driving force behind Cory Ivey’s sophomore season with the Joplin High School wrestling program. “My goals this season are to get better every day and to be standing on the podium of the district tournament in a few weeks,” Ivey said, setting the tone for a year built on steady improvement and belief.

That mindset has been shared throughout the locker room. “The team has been great, far better than last year,” Ivey said. “I’d say we all get along, are extremely supportive of each other and have a great time when we’re together.” According to Ivey, that positive environment has translated directly to the mat.

Effort has become a defining trait of the Eagles this season. “Definitely effort — when we’re all in the room we’re giving 100% of ourselves, working as hard as we can,” he said when asked about the biggest improvement he has seen from the team.

The program’s goals extend beyond individual success. “The goal this year has been to get our names out there and show people what Joplin wrestling is about,” Ivey said. “We all show up every opportunity, we work our tails off and support each other when we need it. Having good energy in the room is a big part of getting better.”

Team chemistry continues to be a strength. “I’d say our team strength is our morale and the way we have each other’s backs,” Ivey said. As a varsity team captain, he takes that responsibility seriously. “I’m a varsity team captain so I have to push others to be better in wrestling and as people,” he said.

When it comes to competition, confidence stands out. “I look for confidence,” Ivey said. “Being confident in yourself can get you really far in the sport of wrestling.” That belief begins internally before he ever steps on the mat. “I tell myself that I’m the best wrestler and that I’m capable of anything,” he said. “I breathe to calm myself. These help me go into my match calm and with no nerves at all.”

Once competition begins, the objective is clear. “My mindset is I want to score as many points as possible, and that I am capable of anything because of the work I put in,” Ivey said.

Looking ahead, his goals stretch beyond this season. “I hope to be the first state champion from Joplin since we haven’t had one,” he said. “But if not, I want to be remembered for how hard I worked. My plans after high school are to wrestle in college and later become a wrestling coach for Joplin.”