Dexter wrestles to mixed results in Cape quad

CAPE GIRARDEAU — The Dexter wrestling team went 1-2 in the Cape Central quad meet on Tuesday with a win over Notre Dame and losses against Cape Central and Kennett.

Despite the results, head coach Cody Boyer was pleased with how the Bearcats competed overall.

“We competed a lot better than what we had the other day when we competed with Poplar Bluff, a lot better than what we thought we would,” Boyer said. “Our kids are wrestling a whole lot better right now and I’m proud of them.”

James DeBerry went 3-0 and Eric Harmon won both of his matches by a first-period pin.

“He’s coming off an injury with his shoulder,” Boyer said of Harmon. “He didn’t wrestle at conference, so we’re trying to get him back healthy right now with his shoulder, just trying to keep his gas tank up and he’s been coming in working hard.”

Conrad Purnell also won two of his matches in the quad.

“He wrestled today like a different person,” Boyer said. “He’s taking a lot more shots, he’s getting more confidence and we’re excited for him.”

Dexter started its dual against Cape Central with a pair of forfeits and Purnell pinned Colton Poole to give the Bearcats an 18-0 lead.

After more forfeits and a DeBerry pin, Dexter had a 30-9 lead over Cape Central. The Tigers went on to collect two forfeits and win their final three matches by pin to win the dual 39-30.

Dexter won against the shorthanded Notre Dame Bulldogs 48-6.

Chase Berry defeated Adam Cork by a 5-1 decision, Purnell defeated Caleb Klipfel by a 9-0 decision and Harmon pinned Parker Lemmons in the first period.

Ethan Jackson got Notre Dame’s only win in the duel by pinning Dexter’s Avin Vincent in the first period.

The 190-pound bout decided the third and final dual. Silas McClain pinned Carson Mullins in the first period to give Kennett a 42-36 win.

Ryan Young, Kasen Forkum, Noah Bruyette, DeBerry, Berry, and Harmon all picked up wins against Kennett.

“Forkum has been a great addition,” Boyer said. “He was injured the first half of the season and he’s coming back now at 150 pounds and he’s been giving us some good wins.”

On the girls' side, Kennedy McCormick went 1-1 against Cape Central and Kennett.

The Bearcats have been battling injuries all season but Boyer is optimistic that his main wrestlers will be healthy and ready for the district tournament next Friday.

“I’m hoping that we can have our main 10 come district time,” Boyer said.