Sikeston wrestling team returns five state qualifiers for upcoming season

Members of the Sikeston wrestling team look on during practice on Friday, Nov. 18, 2016, at the Sikeston Field House. (Chris Pobst/Standard Democrat)

SIKESTON -- The Sikeston wrestling team lost half of last year's nine state qualifiers but that won't deter their annual expectation.

"Our goal is the same as usual to break the qualifying record, get as many kids up there as we can and have a successful season," Sikeston senior Josh Stinnett said. "We just want to be the best the team can be."

Stinnett leads a group of five returning state qualifiers after making his third trip to the Class 3 state meet in Columbia, Mo., last year. The senior, who wrestles in the 182-pound weight class, finished last season with a 50-7 match record which included passing 100 career varsity wins.

Sikeston's Josh Stinnett (top) goes through drills during practice on Friday at the Sikeston Field House. (Chris Pobst/Standard Democrat)

Along with Stinnett will be Jordan Wheatley (195), a senior who finished 35-15, 145-pounder Justus Falkner (Sr., 32-21), 152-pounder Luke Blanton (Sr., 32-24) and 113-pounder David Valdez (Jr., 35-23). Both Stinnett and Wheatley were one win away from finishing in the top six of their respective weight classes during last year's finals.

"We're fortunate to have graduated just a few seniors, four of those state qualifiers, and we bring back a lot of experience from last year," Sikeston wrestling coach Chris Lowe said. "I think it's a tough group with a lot of young kids that look good after a year's experience. We're hoping to keep everybody healthy and fight hard during every battle."

Sikeston's top finisher from last season was 220-pounder Mitchell Garner, a two-time state qualifier who finished all-state with a fourth place medal. Garrett Middleton (132), who was a four-time state qualifier, joined Garner as the second Sikeston wrestler to medal last year with a sixth place finish.

Chase Rodgers (170) and Luis Valdez (126) , who each qualified for state last year, also graduated.

Lowe has pegged Landon Griggs to slip into Garner's 220-pound role after a strong showing over the summer. Griggs, a junior, was an all-american at the Brute Nationals tournament in April with a second place finish.

Also expected to take over a varsity role is Tyreke Jamison and Trent Elliott, but Lowe hasn't quite nailed down who will fill spots just yet.

"I feel like any of our kids could step in when needed," Lowe said. "We're going to have a lot of competition for those varsity spots."

Sikeston's first meet of the season will be a tri-meet Dec. 1 in Dexter, Mo., against Dexter and Notre Dame.

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