JACKSON WRESTLING TEAM ALWAYS IN THE THICK OF THINGS

For Jackson High School Wrestling Coach Steve Wachter it hasn't been a perfect season, but it has been a fun one to be a part of.

Jackson is 7-0 in their dual matches this season, but has failed to win a tournament as a team.

"We've always been in the thick of things," Wachter said.

Jackson finished second at the Fox Tournament and at the SEMO Conference and third at Missouri Duals and the Tiger Classic.

Jackson has one more dual match against Farmington Tuesday and then they are off to districts next Saturday.

The weekend after the district tournament will hold the sectional tournament which will be followed by the state tournament Feb. 20-22.

"I've got a great bunch of seniors that have been a pleasure to coach," Wachter said.

"That's what makes it all worthwhile," he added.

Wachter said the team's success is due to their hard work, great parental support and assistant coaches Brandon Norman, Neil Glass and Doug Brown.

Jackson has 14 varsity wrestlers and Coach Wachter spoke highly of all of them.

Lance Schlick

In the 103-pound class Jackson has Lance Schlick competing for them. Schlick (22-3) placed sixth in the state as a freshman.

"He's a real tough and consistent wrestler. He's a hard worker," Wachter said.

"I'm looking for good things at the state tournament if he can get through a real tough district and sectional round," he added.

Eric Rhodes

At 112-pound class, Eric Rhodes (19-8) has been real consistent this season.

"He hasn't won any tournaments, but he has been in the thick of the competition. I've been real proud of his performance all year long," Wachter said.

Kyle Watson

In the 119-pound class, Kyle Watson has wrestled well enough for a (22-5) record.

"He's turned in some outstanding performances this season," Wachter said.

Watson won the Tiger Classic this year.

He also placed second at the Fox Tournament, SEMO Conference Tournament and the St. Charles Tournament.

He is a returning state qualifier as a freshman last year.

Scott Mangels

Wrestling in the 125-pound class Scott Mangels got off to a rough start this year. Mangels is (5-9) on the season.

"He's been a real consistent wrestler the last two seasons. He's a three year letter man who is wrestling good for us now," Wachter said.

Joe Wiseman

Joe Wiseman, a two-time all-state wrestler, is (27-2) this season. As a sophomore, Wiseman finished sixth in the state and last year he finished fourth in the state.

He is a three time SEMO Conference Tournament champion. Only three Jackson wrestlers hold that distinction.

"Joe's been consistent all year long. We hope he has an outstanding state tournament," Wachter said.

David Schaaf

David Schaaf has an (11-10) record this season wrestling in the 135-pound class for Jackson.

"He's come a long way because he's a hard worker. David's done a tremendous job for our team this year."

Travis Turner

Travis Turner has turned in solid performances this season for Jackson in the 140-pound class.

Turner is (21-8) on the year.

"He's much improved from last year."

James Hitt

James Hitt is (6-19) this season. Coach Wachter said that his record doesn't give an accurate indication of how good a wrestler he is.

"He's a hard worker and an outstanding person. He got a late start in wrestling. He started when he was a sophomore."

Hitt wrestles in the 145-pound class.

Kyle Ward

Kyle Ward competes in the 152-pound class. He has sustained a couple of injuries this season that explain his (1-5) record.

"Hopefully, we can get him in better condition for districts and Tuesday's dual meet."

Kent Glass

Kent Glass is a returning state qualifier. Glass is (22-6) in the 160-pound class this season.

He is the conference champ this year in his class.

Kyle Glass

Kyle Glass is (20-9) this season and finished as conference runner-up in the 171-pound class.

"He's done an outstanding job for our team."

"Both Glass boys are outstanding competitors and good young men and the coaching staff is proud to have them on the team."

Kent Langston

Wrestling in the 189-pound class, Kent Langston is (19-9) this season and won the conference championship.

"he got off to a slow start, but he's coming on real strong lately and we're hoping he can continue that into districts."

Travis Reiminger

Travis Reiminger hasn't lost this year. At (27-0) in the 215-pound class, Reiminger is an outstanding athlete that has put it all together this season.

Reiminger finished fourth in the state last year in the 171-pound class.

"He's been a good leader for our team. Hopefully, he can continue his success through to the state tourney."

Aaron Ross

In the heavyweight class (188-275 lbs.), Aaron Ross is (11-13) for the season.

Ross is a small heavy weight at 210 lbs. He has improved a lot throughout the season.

"We hope he keeps improving and makes through districts and possibly through the sectional to state."

Wachter said that during practice he is having the team work on tuning up their fundamentals and maintaining or raising their conditioning level before the districts begin next week.

"We wrestle hard in practice and we try not to get injured and sometimes that is a fine line," Wachter said.