Honoring Central wrestlers

Cape Girardeau Central High School has much to celebrate during this centennial year. We are especially excited to host the 38th annual Tiger Classic wrestling tournament Dec. 16 and 17 in the Field House of Central Junior High School. This will be an excellent opportunity to watch some of Central's finest student athletes compete against wrestlers in our region.

Central wrestling has a long history of pride and tradition; the team competed for the first time in 1967. By 1970, a Cape Girardeau wrestler brought home the first medal from the state tournament. Since then, 28 additional young men have earned state tournament medals.

In addition to being well represented at the state tournament, we have a proud tradition of hosting the Tiger Classic wrestling tournament. In 1973, Central presented this tournament for the first time. It quickly grew to attain the status of being the premier high school wrestling tournament in Southeast Missouri. Anticipation for this year's tournament is building as we once again host some of the finest high school wrestling on this side of the state.

As the head wrestling coach at Central, I am pleased to invite all former Tiger wrestlers and coaches to attend the Tiger Classic at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 17. We appreciate the opportunity to recognize and visit with each of you. I hope to see you before the finals of the 38th annual Tiger Classic.

JAMES BRAKE, head coach, Cape Central Wrestling, Cape Girardeau