As just a sophomore, Camron Duffield marks his name in Parkway South history as the 24-25 Class 4 138lb state champion.

As such a talented wrestler, Duffield explains his background in the sport. 

“My dad’s my biggest inspiration. He got me started in the sport. I started wrestling when I was like 5 years old so it’s been like 10-11 years now,” said Duffield

Despite only being a sophomore, Duffield went into districts as the #1 seed in his weight class and placed second in the state the previous year.

When asked how last season affected him, Duffield says “It gave me the motivation to not have that happen again like last year. I think I was able to win this year compared to last year because of the work I put in over the summer, improving my takedowns and scoring.”

Social studies teacher Jim Lake, one of Duffield’s many coaches, talks about how working with him was over the season.

“I mean, for how talented he is, he’s really humble and coachable and always looking to learn more. I was a part of several coaches and it’s always great to see someone reach their goal,” Lake said. 

He also adds his past with Duffield.

“I think he’s a fantastic kid, I’ve known of Cam since he was a little kid and it’s just been great to see him grow into this sport and still be the good kid that he is,” he said.

Duffield talks about how it feels to be a state champ. In the finals of the state tournament, Duffield won by technical fall, 24-8, over Ross Davis, a freshman from Liberty High School. Over the entire tournament, he outscored all opponents by a 75-17 margin.  

Duffield not only made it as one of the only six people in South history to win a state title but was also the youngest to ever do it.

“Winning a state title feels good but it doesn’t feel as good as I thought it would,” Duffield said.