Sports
Grapplers competing in Columbia State
Jason LoRusso
May 11, 2007 - 1:11:12 AM

When senior wrestlers graduate, they want to be remembered as a team that accomplished their goals. After having only two wrestlers medal at State last year, the team has come out this year trying to set records.

"As a team, our goal has been to place First at Districts and qualify over half the team for State," said Patrick McKenna (12).

Although they did not win Districts, (4th place) they feel that they will achieve other goals. One major disappointment last weekend was at Districts when returning medalist Brett Buettner (12) did not make weight. Buettner finished the season at 29-8 in the 145 wt. class.

"Without Buettner at State, our chances at a top 10 finish are slim," said James Bearden (11).

One favorite to medal at State this weekend is Brock Summers (12) . After finishing first at Districts, Summers is 39-5 at the 103 lb. wt class.

"I feel that I should be able to place in the top three with the experience I have, especially compared to the other wrestlers I’ll have to face, who are mostly freshmen and sophomores," said Summers.

Three other seniors impacting State, after placing 3rd at Districts are McKenna at 135 wt. class with a record of 35-5, Jesse Cain at 130 wt. class with a 32-10 record, and Nick Higgs at 160 wt. class, who was one win away from State last year. Cain is a four-year Varsity member and could make a big difference for the team.

"The season has been a success so far and we feel we should have a few State medalists," said Cain last weekend.

Bearden is the only junior heading to State at 152 wt. class. After finishing 3rd at Districts, Bearden will try to out-do his older brother Adam Bearden (alum 06’), who placed 5th at State last year.

The State Tournament began yesterday (Feb. 16), and it goes through tomorrow (Feb. 18), and is being held at Mizzou.