Jackson, Central wrestlers debut today

Jackson's wrestling team, led by Cody Rouse, a third-place finisher at the state meet last season, will open its season today with a home meet against New Madrid County Central.

The Indians have nearly their entire roster back from a team that sent five wrestlers to the state meet. Only Matt Kahle at 189 pounds graduated from the five state participants.

"I feel pretty good because we're working really hard," Jackson coach Steve Wachter said.

Seniors Kramer Rampley and Brock Howard will help lead the team after making state appearances with junior Rouse. Also back are seniors Ben Wachter, Greg Ludwig -- who made the state meet at 152 pounds last year -- and Lance Berry. Dustin Fluegge, who was a strong contributor at 215 pounds last season, will miss the season after suffering a knee injury during the football season.

Also back are lightweights Ben McMillan and Sean Gant, along with Josh Schumaker, Jordan Barnhart, Blake Ulrich and Kamden Rampley.

"We've got varsity experience from 119 pounds up," Wachter said.

Jackson's rival, Central, also hits the mat today with a meet at Murphysboro, Ill. Central lost its top wrestler, Trever Duncan, but has a solid core back.

Seniors Jason Poole, Jonathan Poston and Drew Lincoln and a junior, returning state qualifier Cory Huskey, lead the group of returning wrestlers. Other lettermen include Chris Griffith and Dan Coonce.

The Tigers were 7-3 last season, their best season since 1986.

Girls lineup set at Chaffee

Chaffee will host area schools Kelly, Delta, Scott County Central, Oran and Scott City in the Chaffee Girls Invitational Tournament next week.

Joining the area schools are Sikeston and East Prairie. The tournament will open Monday with No. 1 Kelly facing East Prairie. The final is Dec. 13.

Kelly pair honored

Kelly placed two softball players on the Class 2 all-state team chosen by coaches.

Monica Senciboy, a senior infielder, made the first team, and junior outfielder Jessica Burnett made the second team. Kelly was eliminated in the state quarterfinals this season in a 2-1 loss to Blair Oaks.

College notes

Indiana State junior Ashlie Voerg, a Central graduate, made the All-Missouri Valley Conference first team in soccer. Voerg finished the season tied for the team lead in goals (5) and points (10). Voerg was also an honorable mention member of the MVC scholar-athlete team.

Kansas' football team had one of its most successful seasons in recent memory. Travis Dambach, a redshirt freshman and Jackson graduate, has played a role on this year's squad as a backup on the offensive line, and he started a game due to an injury. He appeared in 11 games.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

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