Staff writers
Marion played host Saturday for a Class 3-2-1A regional wrestling tournament.
In team competition, Hillsboro placed 6th and Marion 19th out of 24 teams, but each had wrestlers qualify for the state. Five Trojans and one Warrior punched their tickets to Hays.
“The regional tournament always provides a mixed bag of emotions,” Trojan coach Scott O’Hare said. “It’s just a roller coaster of excitement and joy with every win as wrestlers get one step closer to meeting the goal of qualifying for state, and heartache with a final loss for some that marks the end of their season.”
Freshman Sutton Redger took a giant step forward, qualifying by placing second in his weight class.
Anthony Fickes and the freshly returned Lane Rogers, each took third, and freshman Aaron Hein and senior David Schafer stayed alive with fourth-place finishes.
Rogers will be making his second trip to state. It will be the first for the others.
Marion’s sole qualifier was Colby Lollar who placed third in his 138-pound class.
“Colby had a good day of wrestling and put good things together at the right time,” coach Tyler McMichael said. “It was a tough day at regionals, and a lot of our Warrior wrestles ended their season.”
Senior Chance Shults was one takedown away from qualifying.
“Chance has been a staple on our Warriors wrestling team for the past four years’ McMichael said. “His work ethic and leadership qualities will definitely be missed.”
State action will begin Friday at Gross Memorial Coliseum at Fort Hays State University and will continue Saturday.