JACKSON'S GOODSON WINS STATE CROWN

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- The state wrestling tournament was one to remember for Jackson.

Ray Goodson highlighted a superb showing for the Indians by dominating the 215-pound field and bringing home the state championship medal.

In all, seven Indians and one Cape Central Tiger claimed all-state honors.

Jackson took fourth place with 98.5 points.

Goodson's closest match was seven points in the semifinal. Goodson -- who finished the year at 42-0, a school record -- defeated Dave Bowen of Francis Howell by major decision, 16-1, in the championship match.

"Ray dominated 215," said a proud Indian coach Steve Wachter. "He was just totally dominating. He broke our school record, finished undefeated. He just had a tremendous season."

Goodson's performance was one of several that had Wachter almost giddy.

The seven all-staters were the most the team has had since 1982 and, as a team, it was the highest Jackson had finished since 1996.

"We had an outstanding state tournament," Wachter said. "We wrestled really tough. Every single person on the team, all eight, contributed to the team score. We wrestled better than we had all year long."

Michael Wright, a freshman, took second place at 119 pounds to finish his season at 34-7. He got beat by Ethan Kyle of Francis Howell, who was 120-0 in his career.

"Michael Wright taking second as a freshman is unbelievable," Wachter said.

James Love, at 152 pounds, opened some eyes by taking third. He won three one-point matches in the tournament.

Brett Stroud (130) finished fourth place and ended his season at 37-5.

Mark Wade (171), Ricky Feiner (135) and Brock Howard (103) all took sixth place.

"The key to getting fourth place as a team," Wachter said, "was getting all those guys in sixth place. The effort was just great. Those three guys getting all-state up here is a great achievement because the competition is just great."

Woelk takes fourth

Cape Central's Leland Woelk took fourth place.

He defeated B.J Nixdorf of Hillcrest in the consolation semifinals 17-14, but lost a match 9-7 in overtime in the third-place match.

"He's kind of upset that he didn't finish higher, but hey, it's the state tournament," Cape Central coach Josh Crowell said. "But I think he's pleased he got all-state. Leland finished fourth and O.J. (Turner) finished in the top eight. We finished the season OK. We showed a tremendous step in the right direction as a program."

Blue Springs South wins

The 4A team title belongs to Blue Springs South, which finished with 125 points. Oak Park was second with 118.5, Francis Howell was third with 100.5, Jackson was fourth with 98.5 and Hazelwood Central was fifth with 93 points.

Cape Central finished 23rd with 23 points.