REIMINGER WINS STATE WRESTLING CHAMPIONSHIP

What a year, Travis Reiminger wrestled his way to a perfect 38-0 season.

Reiminger who won the state wrestling championship in the 215-pound class last weekend is now focusing on his favorite sport of golf.

Reiminger's 9-6 decision over Brian Busby of Jefferson City last Saturday capped off his perfect season and brought him the reward of hard work and determination.

Reiminger, who wrestled his way to fourth place last year in the state in the 171-pound class, bulked up over the summer by lifting weights and eating "everything" in sight.

Coach Brandon Norman had a lot to do with Reiminger's added bulk.

"He had an outstanding season," coach Norman said.

"He set his goal to be a state champion last spring and he worked real hard in the weight room last spring and summer to accomplish his goal," Norman added.

The added 44 pounds put Reiminger in a new wrestling classification, one that would make him change his strategy.

Did wrestling in this new class make things more difficult for Reiminger?

With 34 of the 38 victories for Reiminger being pins, it didn't seem to bring him difficulty.

Reiminger finished 21-4 last season and said that the brand of wrestling in the 215-pound class was more his style of wrestling than the 171-pound class.

Reiminger's closest match didn't come until the semi-finals of the state tournament.

Reiminger attributes his success to his coaches and to setting a goal and staying focused on it throughout the season.

Coach Steve Wachter counted on Reiminger to be a team leader and he wasn't let down.

"I'm very proud of Travis Reiminger," coach Wachter said after Reiminger's state championship victory.

"He's a real good kid. He's blesses with some athletic ability. He should have a good season in golf as well," Norman said.

A three sport standout at Jackson High School Reiminger was an All-District defensive player in football as well.

Reiminger hasn't decided what college he wants to go to, yet. He has decided that he would like to pursue the sport of golf through college.

He has no plans to continue to wrestle at the college level.

As for Jackson High School's Wrestling team they finished sixth in the state meet.

Joe Wiseman looked as though he was on his way to a state championship in the 130-pound class. But he lost a 3-2 lead with 12 seconds left in the championship round when Oakville's Brett Lieberoff scored a takedown and road the clock out for a 4-3 victory.

Lance Schlick finished third in the state in the 103-pound class and Kent Langston competed at the state tourney for Jackson.

Jackson takes a 46 dual win streak into next season.