The grueling wrestling season has finally come to a conclusion, and for the Ste. Genevieve Dragons, it was a rough day, but one on which to build. The Dragons qualified two girls and nine boys for the State Tournament which took place March 9-13.
In the girls results, wrestling at the 127 lb. weight class, Isabel Basler placed fourth. Basler won her quarterfinal match by pin in 3:50, but was defeated in the semifinals, pushing her to the third place match. Unfortunately, she lost that match as well, but still ended up on the podium.
Maggie Myracle, at 195, placed fifth. Myracle won her first match by pin in 57 seconds. She then lost the quarterfinal match, pushing her to the consolation bracket. She won her next match by decision, 6-0. In the consolation semifinals she won by pin in 2:14. Finally, she won the fifth place match by pin in 4:40, earning her a spot on the podium.
Myracle was quite elated when it was all over. She said, “I was very upset when I lost my second match but I pushed past that so I could focus on getting fifth. Earning my way back to fifth place actually meant a lot to me! I didn’t realize how hard it is to go through wrestle-backs! During my final match I was just telling myself to keep calm and that I’ve wrestled this girl many times, and to not make it any different than the other times just because it’s State. Once I pulled it off, a huge wave of relief came upon me!”
On the boys side, at 106, Gage Gross placed fourth. Gross won the first match by fall in 4:55. He then won the quarterfinal match by sudden victory 8-6. Unfortunately, he lost the semifinals and the third place match, but still finished on the podium. Gross was pleased, but wanted more. He said, “It felt great to stand on the podium, but I feel like I definitely could’ve wrestled better!”
At 113, Bryant Schwent lost the quarterfinals, moving him to the consolation bracket. Schwent then won his next match by fall in 2:36, but lost the consolation semifinals.
Dalton McNeal, at 126, placed fourth. In the quarterfinals, McNeal won by decision 4-0. He lost in the semifinals and then lost the fourth place match, but still landed on the podium.
Several wrestlers competed valiantly, but fell on hard times and were eliminated before a chance to advance to the podium. Gavin Gross (132), Nathan Selby (138) Levi Wiegand (152) and Ethan Ogden (170) were all defeated in both their first and second matches.
At 220, Dale Propst lost his first match moving him to the consolation bracket. Propst won his next match by decision 2-0. However, he then lost the consolation semifinals.
Ryan Schmelzle won his first match by decision 6-1. He then lost the quarterfinals, pushing him to the consolation rounds, where he eventually lost his next match.
Just qualifying for the State Tournament is quite an accomplishment for any high school wrestler, and for these 11 athletes, it was the thrill of a lifetime. Hopefully, for those returning, this day will inspire greatness to compete even harder next year.
