Iola’s Jones signs with Panthers

“It’s a local school, and I know the people there,” Jones said. “I think I’ll have great chemistry with the other wrestlers.”

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Sports

May 16, 2022 - 4:10 PM

Iola High senior Trent Jones, center, is flanked by his parents, Levi and Crystal, and IHS wrestling coach Jason Bates Friday as he signs a letter of intent to wrestle next year at Neosho County Community College. REGISTER/RICHARD LUKEN

Trent Jones isn’t going far to continue his wrestling career.

The Iola High senior signed a letter of intent Friday to wrestle at Neosho County Community College next season.

“It’s a local school, and I know the people there,” Jones said. “I think I’ll have great chemistry with the other wrestlers.”

Jones, one of the most successful wrestlers in IHS history, is a three-time state qualifier, missing state only when he was injured during his junior campaign.

While a sophomore, Jones took fourth in the 145-pound class. 

“Trent has a ton of potential,” IHS wrestling coach Jason Bates said. “He’s a great wrestler who sets an example for others, to show what athletes from Iola are capable of doing. He’s always motivating other wrestlers.”

Jones also was the starting running back for the Mustang football team and has become a vital cog in the Iola baseball team this spring.

Still, going with wrestling instead of the other sports was an easy decision, he said.

I’ve loved the sport for a long time. I’ve been better at wrestling than football or baseball.Trent Jones, IHS

“I’ve loved the sport for a long time,” Jones said. “I’ve been doing it for so many years, and I’ve been better at wrestling than football or baseball.”

Jones was flanked by his parents, Levi and Crystal Jones, his coaches and legions of Iola Middle School students, who were on hand for the signing ceremony during a sign-up period for them to consider IHS activities when they reach high school.

“This is our ultimate goal for you guys,” Bates told the middle-schoolers, “to continue your careers through college. You can take that passion from middle school to high school and beyond.

“Trent loves the sport of wrestling,” Bates continued. “He works hard at it, and is going to the next level to reach his potential. We’re very proud to have him on our team.”

Jones plans to earn an associate degree in applied science at Neosho, with the hopes of eventually wrestling further at a four-year university, and then pursuing a career in construction.

Trent Jones, left, was a three-time state wrestling qualifier for Iola High School, missing out only when his junior year was cut short due to injury. REGISTER FILE PHOTO
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