Wrestlers competed in the 2022 MSHSAA state wrestling championship at the Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo., over the weekend of Feb. 17-19. The girls team placed 45th out of 108 teams at the tournament, and the boys placed third in the state out of 62 teams.

     “I’m proud of their performances, and I know they will be working hard as they continue with their careers,” girls wrestling coach Nic Brent said. 

     Senior Lexi Hatfield placed fourth overall in the 120-pounds bracket. Hatfield was the first four-year state medalist in the program’s history.

     “I put a lot of time and work into getting here, and I’m very proud of how hard I worked throughout the years,” Hatfield said.

     Hatfield was the only girl who placed at state, the other girls finished off their tournament by the 18th. 

     “Motivation for next year is what I got from this weekend,” junior Chase Kiel said.

     Three freshmen boys ended their first state tournament placing in the top five.

      Freshman Zayne Reynolds was pleased with his performance, placing third in the 113-pounds weight class.

      “I did pretty good as a freshman taking third,” Reynolds said.

      Freshman David Monroe Gleason placed third in the tournament for his 132-pounds weight class. Although he was hoping to place higher, he said he was satisfied with his performance because it was his  first time competing at state.

     “I was hoping to get first or second, but third is alright,” Gleason said.

      Although some wrestlers did not place in the top three, there were others who did place. Freshman Merrick Murray was ranked fourth overall at 160 pounds. Junior Jack Stoffel earned fifth overall in the 220-pounds weight bracket. Senior David Brooks placed fifth as well, but in the 170-pounds bracket.