The Potosi School District hired five new coaches the week of April 19th. Potosi High school welcomes Michael Ross as head boys wrestling coach, Ben Turnbough as assistant boys wrestling coach, and Josh Mapes as Head girls basketball coach. John Evans Middle School welcomes Danny Mueller as head wrestling coach, and Andrew Thornton as assistant wrestling coach. We are super excited to see what these new coaches bring to our teams and to see what our teams will accomplish in the upcoming school year.
Michael Ross has over a decade of experience in coaching wrestling and grappling. He is super excited to be working with the district and said, “ I am honored to have the opportunity to be the new boys wrestling program leader and very excited to be back with the boys I coached in middle school.” He is looking forward to be collaborating with coaches Coach Huddleston, Coach King, Coach Turnbough, Coach Mueller, and Coach Thornton. Alex McCaul said, “ Michael Ross brings a wealth of experience and passion to our wrestling program , making him an excellent choice for the position of boys wrestling coach.” We are super excited to see what he brings to our team on and off the mat.
Ben Turnbough was a graduate from potosi high school and a former state champion wrestler. He has such an amazing record of dedication with becoming a four-time state qualifier and three-time district champion. He continued his success out of high school with becoming a collegiate wrestler being a national qualifier, academic all-conference honoree, first team all-conference recipient, and AMC freshman of the year. Alex Mccaul , superintendent of Potosi R-3 School district states, “ Ben’s remarkable journey from a standout wrestler at our school to a successful collegiate athlete exemplifies the values of hard work, determination, and perseverance that we seek to instill in our students, His experience and expertise will undoubtedly enrich our wrestling program and inspire out student-athletes to reach new heights.”
Josh Mapes has been coaching for 20 years, as a coach he has received accomplishments including state championship, 3rd place finish in state, nine district titles, seven-time christmas tournament champion, six time conference tournament champions, and over 250 career victories. Alex McCaul, Potosi R3 School district superintendent said, “His proven leadership, coaching expertise, and dedication to the success of his players make him the ideal candidate to the success of his players make him the ideal candidate to guide our team to new heights.” Mapes was a proud graduate of Potosi High School and is very thrilled to be joining the trojan community again. Everyone is excited to have Mapes joining us and like McCaul says, “Under Mapes leadership, the Potosi High School girls basketball team is poised for a bright future filled with success, growth, and achievement.”
Andrew Thornton graduated from Potosi High school and throughout his highschool years showed talent and dedication to the sport of wrestling. His amazing performances earned him a successful career off and on the mat. Following his passion for wrestling after high school he attended Lindenwood University, where he honored his skills and accomplishments. With years of experience Thornton is well-equipped to guide and mentor the young wrestling team at John Evans Middle school. Alex McCaul, the superintendent of Potosi R-3 School District said “We are thrilled to welcome Andrew Thornton to our coaching staff.” Thornton will work closely with the head coach to develop training programs, to provide individual coaching and instill essential values like discipline, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Thornton said, “I am honored to join the coaching staff at John Evans Middle School and contribute to the rich tradition of wrestling excellence.”
Danny Mueller has exemplified unwavering dedication and passion for sports and coaching. His journey at John Evans Middle School starting as an assistant wrestling coach, where he will showcase exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of the sport. Throughout his time, Mueller has played an important role in nurturing young athletes but also has shown discipline, perseverance, and teamwork through his skills. Under his guidance, the wrestling program at John Evans Middle School has grown and witnessed significant growth and success. His commitment to excellence and tireless efforts have not only elevated the performance of individual athletes. “Danny Mueller’s promotion to the position of Head Wrestling Coach is a testament to his outstanding contributions to our School’s athletic program,” said Alex McCaul, Superintendent of Potosi R-3 School District. “His unparalleled dedication, expertise, and passion for the sport have been instrumental in shaping our wrestlers into formidable competitors and responsible individuals. We have full confidence in Mueller’s ability to lead our wrestling team to even greater heights of achievement.
We’re super excited to welcome these coaches to our district and ready to see what they bring and accomplish to our sports teams.
