West Platte hired a new coach just days after the wrestling season wrapped up.
Last month, the school announced Alex Schmersahl will be the next Bluejays wrestling coach and a physical education teacher at the elementary school.
Alex Schmersahl
Schmersahl is a native of Centralia and was an all-state quarterback and four-time state qualifier in wrestling. He won a state championship as a senior, while also being a runner-up and fifth-place finisher.
He is a graduate of the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg with a degree in physical education. He was commissioned into the Missouri Army National Guard after completing the UCM ROTC program. In June, he graduates from Army Aviation School in Ft. Rucker, Ala.
Schmersahl will be assigned to the 1107th Aviation Group of the Missouri National Guard based in Springfield.
He coached wrestling and junior high football at Butler High School, while assisting in high school football and junior high track and field.
“I graciously accept this opportunity, which allows me to continue my passion to have a positive impact on our future leaders’ lives and I’m beyond thrilled to begin my work with the West Platte team,” he said. “I have already been impressed with the teachers I have met. I will work with existing staff to maximize our resources and abilities to serve the most valuable members of our community, our students. I look forward to getting to know the students, parents and patrons of West Platte.”
He becomes the fourth wrestling coach in four seasons for West Platte. The Bluejays had one state qualifier on the boys side and had the most girls wrestlers in the area throughout this past season.
Schmersahl will be getting married in August to Allison Hulen from Centralia.