Jackson wins Classic title

Jackson's wrestling team had not won a Tiger Classic championship in over 10 years, despite five second place finishes since its last title in 1992.

The Indians drought ended Saturday night at Central Jr. High in the 29th annual Tiger Classic. Jackson had only three wrestlers in the finals, but with seven wrestlers in the championship round Jackson was able to pull off the championship.

"We didn't win it the year we were fourth in state, so it's nice to win one," Jackson wrestler Cody Rouse said.

While the Indians broke a streak of three straight second place finishes, Jackson kept another streak alive. With a title from Kremer Rampley at 160 pounds Jackson has had an individual champion each of the past 11 years.

Rampley won a 14-6 decision, after Rouse and Ben McMillian had failed to win in their title matches.

"It's my last year, so I had to win it," Rampley said.

Both McMillan and Rouse lost highly competitive title matches at 119 and 145, respectively. Rouse lost to top seed Bobby Conn of Marquette. The match was tied at 3 after the first period but a takedown by Conn in the second period was the difference in the match.

"I don't mind losing to a guy like him," Rouse said of Conn. "He's nationally ranked and a good friend of mine."

McMillan lost a 7-5 overtime match to top seed Zach Ladlie of Troy-Buchanan. McMillian's match went back and forth until Ladlie got a takedown early in the overtime period.

After losing close semifinal matches Brock Howard and Ben Wachter each took third for Jackson. Howard won by pin and Wachter came from behind in the final period to win a 13-10 decision.

"We were tough all night," Rouse said. "All the guys were able to come back after they got a loss."

Jackson's Tiger Classic title gives it two championships this season. Jackson won the Parkway South tournament earier this year and finished third at the Missouri Duals.

"Every tournament we're getting better," Rampley said. "I hope it can stay like this."

Central had three wrestlers compete in the championship round. Jonathan Poston was Central's top finisher in fourth place. Cory Huskey finished fifth with a pin and Matt Latham finished sixth.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

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