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Linn County, Mo. —
It was an odd year at the MSHSAA State Wrestling Championships this year, with only one local individual champion crowned, and no team trophies for the local teams. Still, a total of seven medals were earned, with five of those coming to Brookfield, and two to Marceline.
“We are a young team overall, and there was a lot of experience to be gained,” said Brookfield Head Coach Ben Jackson. “We learned a lot about ourselves, lost some tough matches, and also won some close ones as well. We have work to do in the off-season if we want to come back next year and improve on this finish.”
“They’ve wrestled great, I’m so proud of the kids right now,” said Marceline Head Coach Josh Moore. “Austin Moudy had a tough bracket but wrestled his heart out. Kyle Bell lost a heartbreaker in the semis, but battled back. MJ Bradley has wrestled so well and given it all he has got.”
Controversy reigned early in the event, as sophomore defending champion Garrett Zahner was disqualified by MSHSAA officials over concerns a rash on his face was a staph infection. Despite protests from his coaches, and a note from a local doctor, Zahner was not allowed to participate. He ends his sophomore season with a 22-6 record.
At 285 pounds, Derek Scates topped off his senior season with a State Championship for Brookfield. Scates opened with a pinfall win in 45 seconds, a 3-1 decision in overtime in the second round, and earned another final appearance with a pinfall in in 41 seconds in the semifinals. In the Championship bout, Scates and his opponent took it to overtime, where Scates scored a takedown to bring home his first State Championship by a 3-1 decision.
“It feel pretty great,” said Scates. “I have been wrestling for eight years and never won it. It’s great to win one for my family, I love them so much. Thanks to all of the fans, I love you so much!”
Derek Scates ends his senior season with a 40-1 record.
It was an odd year at the MSHSAA State Wrestling Championships this year, with only one local individual champion crowned, and no team trophies for the local teams. Still, a total of seven medals were earned, with five of those coming to Brookfield, and two to Marceline.
“We are a young team overall, and there was a lot of experience to be gained,” said Brookfield Head Coach Ben Jackson. “We learned a lot about ourselves, lost some tough matches, and also won some close ones as well. We have work to do in the off-season if we want to come back next year and improve on this finish.”
“They’ve wrestled great, I’m so proud of the kids right now,” said Marceline Head Coach Josh Moore. “Austin Moudy had a tough bracket but wrestled his heart out. Kyle Bell lost a heartbreaker in the semis, but battled back. MJ Bradley has wrestled so well and given it all he has got.”
Controversy reigned early in the event, as sophomore defending champion Garrett Zahner was disqualified by MSHSAA officials over concerns a rash on his face was a staph infection. Despite protests from his coaches, and a note from a local doctor, Zahner was not allowed to participate. He ends his sophomore season with a 22-6 record.
At 285 pounds, Derek Scates topped off his senior season with a State Championship for Brookfield. Scates opened with a pinfall win in 45 seconds, a 3-1 decision in overtime in the second round, and earned another final appearance with a pinfall in in 41 seconds in the semifinals. In the Championship bout, Scates and his opponent took it to overtime, where Scates scored a takedown to bring home his first State Championship by a 3-1 decision.
“It feel pretty great,” said Scates. “I have been wrestling for eight years and never won it. It’s great to win one for my family, I love them so much. Thanks to all of the fans, I love you so much!”
Derek Scates ends his senior season with a 40-1 record.
