Wrestlers do well at state

FENTON - For the first year in competition the Heartland Wrestling Team made a very strong appearance at the state tournament last weekend.

The team bought home two state champions, four runner-ups, six third place, one fourth place and one fifth place.

"This was more than I ever expected this year," said coach Dan Ruby. "We have talked about a state championship all season and after they all got a taste of winning in some big tournaments their confidence jumped to a new level. All their hard work paid off this weekend."

Bringing home their first AAU State Championships were Darin Dicus and Tyler Dame.

"Darin is only 12-years-old and has so much talent on the mat," Ruby said. "We have talked about his style of wrestling and using it to his advantage. I couldn't be more proud of Darin on winning his first state championship."

Dicus' final record was 11-2.

"Tyler came into the program after the 8th grade season was over in January and he came in with a lot of experience that really helped him in the tournament," Ruby said. "This is really going to help Tyler going into high school next year. I'm looking forward to seeing him in the high school ranks in the next couple years."

Coming home with a second place was Gage Barber.

"Gage is only 8-years-old and taking second place in the state championship is a great accomplishment," Ruby said. "Gage is a talented young wrestler that I see him as a state champion in the next couple years."

Cody Anderson came home with a second place finish.

"Cody has so much ability in this sport and I think he will do great things for the high school program," said Ruby. "He's a great leader for the team on and off the mat."

Derris Butler bought home second place in the 189-pound weight class.

Stephen Wheatley place second in his weight class losing a tough championship match 9-4.

Heartland had six third place finishers. Coming home with third place were the Middleton brothers, Garrett and Cody.

"These two brothers are so talented and they are a great future for Sikeston," Ruby said. "Garrett is only 5-years-old and had a very good season. I see him as a state champion several times in his years to come.

"Cody has proven himself on the mat with a record of 15-9 on the year. This was a great tournament for Cody. He went out a gave it all he had."

Trevor Wheatley came in third place in his weight class.

Kenneth Moy brought home third place in the 70-pound weight class

Ashton Cantrell came in third place in the 140 pound weight class.

"He had a very tough bracket to handle," Ruby said. "Ashton had wrestled a smart tournament and he showed his talent. I look forward to seeing him at the high school level next year."

With a record of 21-4 with 18 pins, Dustin Ruby came home with a third place medal.

"Dustin wrestled in a very competitive weight class that was loaded with talent," Ruby said. "Dustin wrestled back to the third place match to find his opponent that beat him earlier across from him. Dustin took revenge and pinned him in 39 seconds of the first period."

Ryan Dicus came into the program late in the season and made a impact on the AAU wrestling coming home with a fourth place in the 189-pound weight class.

Blake Angle took fifth place.

"The place at the state tournament does not reflect the year Blake had, finishing with a impressive record of 14-4," said Ruby.

Ruby said the club had a very good year, showing a good future for wrestling in Sikeston.

"The club's traveling team had 10 to 14 wrestlers that went to six tournaments winning a total of 67 medals including 14 state placers," Ruby said. "It was a great year. I look for some great wrestlers to come though here in the next several years."