Months of grueling practice, focused workouts, and hard-fought matches have led the Gravette High School wrestling team to a chance at a second-consecutive state championship. This weekend, the Lions will enter the 4A State Tournament at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with all 14 wrestlers qualified, giving them a full lineup for the championship. After winning the 4A North Regional Championship with 230.5 points, the team now faces the final challenge of the season… defending their state title.
The Gravette Lions Wrestling Team celebrating victory at the 4A North Regional Championship
In just four years, Gravette’s wrestling program has gone through unprecedented growth, from a small group training in an automotive garage to a team on the verge of a second-consecutive state title. "What started as four coaches wanting to share a sport they love has grown into something bigger.” Said Coach Alex Herrlein, “We’re not just building wrestlers. We’re building confident, disciplined athletes who find success on and off the mat."
That rapid rise is due in large part to Head Coach Alex Herrlein, his brother and volunteer assistant BJ Herrlein, Assistant Coach Chris Weller, and volunteer assistant Greg Miller. Their approach comes from a love of the sport at a fundamental level, so it goes beyond technique and competition. They focus on building confidence, resilience, and character in their student athletes, and the students have responded to this lesson. "It’s really about confidence," senior Kelton McDougal said. "Learning how to be confident in yourself as a person while also being confident in your wrestling."
Coach Herrlein goes over technique during the last practice before the State Championship
High-contact sports like wrestling help develop critical life skills that extend beyond competition. Wrestling requires composure under pressure, quick thinking and decision-making, and the ability to push through adversity. A solo victory or defeat is certain, and athletes confront that reality in every match. In addition to personal growth, wrestling helps some athletes stay on top of their game during off-seasons in other sports. "Our wrestling program gives kids an opportunity to stay active when they might not otherwise be competing," Athletics Director Andrew Vire said. "This group is committed, and they’re finding success."
Jacob Gaylord pins his opponent to the mat
The Lions’ dominance at the 4A North Regional Championship showcased how far the program has come. The team has spent the season facing tough competition, including a regular-season loss to Pottsville and a second-place finish at Dual State. The Lions found they needed to adjust, recover, and improve. "This year has been a little different," Herrlein said. "Last year, we were focused on figuring out how to win a state title… This year, everyone is gunning for us. We've had to focus on the process, keep improving, and stay grounded as we prepare."
The pressure of defending a state title brings new challenges, but the team has embraced the moment. For Logan Miller, a three-time state champion with over 100 victories under his belt, staying mentally sharp is essential. "You just have to lock in," Miller said. "You have to look at yourself and realize your strengths. A lot of guys watch matches and think, ‘This guy's way better than me,’ or ‘I’m not as good as I should be.’ I do that too sometimes, but you really need to focus and stay positive."
Logan Miller practicing with his teammates the day before State
Miller is aiming for his fourth individual title, a milestone that would further solidify his place as one of Gravette’s most accomplished wrestlers. Logan’s father, Greg Miller, has been involved in the program from the very beginning, serving as a volunteer assistant coach. His presence on the coaching team has allowed him to be part of his son’s development while helping to build a program that has given opportunities to countless other athletes. "When Greg started talking about trying to get wrestling started in Gravette, I had my doubts," Logan’s mother, Emily Miller said. "But the persistence paid off, and this community and district have shown up! We are so thankful that the powers that be gave these kids the opportunity to wrestle."
For Logan, all the training, sacrifices, and experiences have led to this moment. He has already signed with William Woods University, where he will continue his wrestling career at the collegiate level. But before he moves on, the goal that matters most is finishing his high school career with another state championship. "He will always be a state champion- individual and team- but the work isn’t finished yet," Emily said.
Logan Miller posed for a portrait with medals and rings on display
Logan Miller’s success on the mat is only part of his impact on the Gravette Wrestling program. He and the other seniors have set the standard for what it means to compete at a high level. Herrlein shared. "The seniors this year were the very first freshmen in the program when we started it, so they’ve got a bunch of experience together… The culture of the team was set by them, and now they’re passing it on and making it part of what we are as a wrestling program."
Before making the trip to State, the team was honored with a send-off from the entire school community. Wrestlers took a final walk through the halls of Gravette High School, where students and staff lined the corridors to cheer them on. As the team rode past Gravette Middle School, Gravette Upper Elementary, and Glenn A. Duffy Elementary, younger students and teachers stepped outside to show their support. It was a powerful reminder of what it means to represent Gravette, a town where pride runs deep and every victory is shared.
The wrestling team pass by Glenn Duffy students before their trip to Little Rock
But for Head Coach Alex Herrlein, success isn’t just measured by championships. "We had a talk yesterday about the team. It doesn’t matter what we do this weekend, and it doesn’t matter what we did last year. What matters is the hard work you put in, the journey through that, and figuring out how to become a better man, better woman, better person," Herrlein said. "Accolades are great, but they’re a byproduct of working hard and doing the right thing."
As the Gravette Lions step onto the mat for the final time this season, they do so knowing they have already made their mark. After clawing their way to the top, they’ve seized a second chance at a state title and they’re ready to pounce. Assistant Coach Chris Weller said, "I feel like we're ready to go. We've got a great group of seniors that are ready to lead, we're going to show up and do what we do." Athletic Director Andrew Vire also offered words of encouragement to the team ahead of the tournament. "Just keep working, be coachable and listen, and represent the Gravette community in a positive light," Vire said. "Go try to make history and win a second one."
With the support of their coaches, teammates, and an entire community behind them, the Lions are poised to take the mat and defend their territory. It’s time to fight, stay sharp, and remind Arkansas why Gravette’s Lion Pride rules the mat.