Headed to STATE: Mules, Dexter sending six wrestlers to battle for championships

The MSHAA state wrestling tournament is about to get underway, and six wrestlers are making their way to Mizzou Arena on Friday and Saturday with the hopes of winning the gold.

From start to finish, these three wrestlers have made a pivotal impact on the Poplar Bluff High School Mules wrestling team. The Mules are sending seniors Logan Hite and Jack Ernest, and junior Zoe Freeman will represent the Lady Mules.

Coach Kelton Thompson said getting to the state tournament is a reward because only a few kids get the opportunity. He wants each wrestler to do their best, no matter the outcome.

“We’re all feeling pretty good about heading to state,” Thompson said. “They’re all in great positions to do some good stuff this weekend. I’m super proud of all three of them. They all come from different backgrounds and experience levels. They all got it done in the district tournament, so there’s no pressure this weekend. I just want them to go out and perform while doing what they’ve done all year and see where we end up.”

Last season, Hite took a shot at placing state but failed to do so. This year, he stepped onto the mat with a new attitude and was more skilled with his craft. Hite finished his regular season with a 42-3 record, placed third in the districts, won first in the Bring The Hammer Tournament, and won the 190lb SEMO conference championship to become the first-ever male in Poplar Bluff’s 51-year wrestling history to win three conference championships.

With a few hiccups thrown Hite’s way at the most crucial point of the season, he’s healthy and ready to compete.

“These past few weeks were rough,” Hite said. “During a moment in districts, I couldn’t feel like my legs or anything when wrestling, so it was rough trying to overcome that. I almost didn’t wrestle, but I was able to push through and end up taking third. I definitely should’ve done better, but I’m glad I made it to state.”

Hite feels good about the tournament and is ready to get up there to see what he can do. He’s hoping to place high, but he plans to take it one match at a time.

Freeman also returns to the state meet, making it her third straight appearance. She is still riding high after picking up her second district championship but is focused more than ever. With being known for going to state, Freeman said there would be no pressure heading into the tournament this year.

Freeman placed first in the 2024 SEMO Conference Tournament for the third time and was named the SEMO Conference Tournament Most Outstanding Female Wrestler award for the second consecutive year. Freeman has also inked her name into the Poplar Bluff wrestling history book by becoming the first girl to win 100 matches.

Like Hite, Freeman also had a rough stint approaching the postseason as she struggled to compete the way she is accustomed to, but it was her coach who kept her calm and focused.

“I wanted to go into districts and state with a different mindset than I had in the past,” Freeman said. “Having coach Thompson by my side really helped me relax the whole weekend, and it got me to the finals match to win it all. When I made it to the finals last year, I didn’t win the match because the girl was just outright better than me. I knew I was better this year and was happy to showcase that to bring home another district title and return to state.”

Freeman is ready for whatever comes her way as she looks to stay focused on her goal of placing higher than fifth. She said focusing on the match in front of her will be the key to achieving her ultimate goal of making it to the finals.

While Hite and Freeman have made the state tournament their second home, Ernest is getting his first shot at placing in the state meet. Thompson said Ernest has made great progress on the wrestling team throughout the years. From where he started with an 8-10 record his freshman year to 33-12 his final season, Thompson couldn’t be more prouder of Ernest.

Ernest placed third in the district tournament after defeating Jackson’s Joah Moore, who knocked Ernest out of the first round.

Freeman is scheduled to wrestle first, and Hite and Ernest will follow later in the day.

Dexter Bearcats

The Dexter High School Bearcats will send three wrestlers to the MSHSAA Class 2 State Wrestling tournament on Friday. The Bearcats battled hard this season, and coach Cody Boyer believes his guys are ready to compete for the top prize.

Representing the Bearcats is Paxton White, who placed third at districts at 106, Ryan Young, who placed second at 144 and Kasen Forkum, who snagged fourth at 157.

“I think we have a good shot at state this year,” Boyer said. “White has wrestled pretty well this season, and I know he’s ready to go. Young is going to have a tough match, but he’s been wrestling a lot better midway through the season by pulling out some big wins. Kasen is a wildcard, but that kid will compete with anyone, so we’re feeling pretty good about state.”

Boyer said confidence is going to be key as they gear up for state.

“Our biggest thing is knowing that we’re here for a reason,” he said. We can compete with just about anybody when we want to, and we’ve got to keep our heads clear during each match. No matter the score, we must push forward.”