Wrestling Bulldogs Place Sixth at De Soto

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Wrestling last Friday and Saturday at the De Soto Tournament, St. Clair crowned one individual champion and finished sixth in the team standings.

Hillsboro claimed the team title. Sikeston placed second and North County was third.

“We were without some of our kids over the weekend,” said St. Clair Head Coach Mark Payne. “That affected the team finish.”

Three of the Bulldogs’ nine wrestlers in the tournament were individual placers.

Leading the way was Mike Wright, who won the 220-pound title.

“Mikey was able to avenge a loss from last year’s final to the Hillsboro wrestler,” Payne said. “He did a great job.”

Dustin Conner reached the finals at 152 pounds and earned second-place honors.

“Dustin had a great tournament. He wrestled in a very tough weight class and came out in second,” Payne said. “He had an opportunity to wrestle up in a much weaker weight class, but he stayed at 152. That showed a lot of mental toughness. I’m sure it will pay off later this year. He’s one of the toughest kids I’ve ever coached.”

Chris Algiere placed fourth at 106 pounds.

“Chris did a great job,” Payne said. “He’s really improved throughout the year.”

Also wrestling for St. Clair at De Soto and not placing were Wallie Mesey (113), Chase Cohen (120), Austin Koenig (126), Jonah Pfeiffer (138), Hayden Norton (145) and Jake Calkins (170).

St. Clair returns to De Soto High School for the Class 2 District 1 meet Feb. 10-11.