Springdale High School senior Daxton Kline entered this season with a chance to become only the second Springdale athlete to win four state titles, a milestone shared by just sixteen boys and one girl statewide since wrestling was sanctioned in Arkansas in the 2008‑09 season.
Kline, a senior at Har‑Ber High School, signed a letter of intent earlier this week to wrestle at Duke University next season. He told Arkansas Online, “I would just say the sport is really hard and achieving that only three times shows that I’ve put my work to good use. I just try to be an example to my teammates. I just think if I give my all on days I don’t feel like it, I don’t think there’s anything better I can show them.”
Har‑Ber head coach Alan Callahan, now in his fourth season, praised Kline’s attitude, saying, “The best thing about him is he’s coachable. And going beyond wrestling, he’s just an amazing kid. He will definitely leave his mark on this program.”
The Wildcats also field a strong girls team. Eliana Bungitake captured the 115‑pound state title last season, and freshman Maggie John, a two‑sport athlete who also plays basketball, is expected to add depth to the squad. Lady Wildcat coach Nika West highlighted John’s return, noting, “She took a little break, but reached back out about coming out. We’re excited about her. She brings a little fire to her, and she’s strong for her size.”
Springdale’s prospects sit alongside a wave of regional talent. Bentonville sophomore Zach Donalson finished the previous season 38‑0, winning the 126‑pound title and earning outstanding wrestler honors in the 6A division. Rogers’ Xavier McCauley and Andrew Valdez were state finalists, while the Rogers Lady Mounties returned seven seniors, including defending champions Leslie Marquez (100), Heysel Solis (140) and Rebecca Gonzalez (235). Across the state, Har‑Ber’s boys team saw multiple state champions, and the Bentonville Tigers captured the Class 6A team title by nearly 100 points.
Other notable achievements include Atreyu Banks’ 33‑0 record to claim the Class 4A title at 175 pounds, Peyton Boston’s 32‑0 run to win the Class 5A title at 126 pounds, and the continued success of the Rogers Lady Mounties, who added Shelsea Morales as the runner‑up at 170 pounds. The state tournament will determine whether Kline joins the exclusive group of four‑time champions and whether Springdale’s wrestling program adds another historic chapter.
What’s next: The Arkansas state wrestling tournament is scheduled for early March. Springdale fans can watch Kline and the Wildcats compete for the coveted fourth title, while local coaches and families anticipate the outcomes that could shape the city’s wrestling legacy for years to come.
Sources: arkansasonline.com
