Jackson’s Vassalli stands out among local state medalists

Of the 24 Southeast Missouri-based wrestlers to reach the MSHSAA State Tournament, only three have finished the season on the medal stand.

Landon Vassalli finished his senior season fifth in the Class 4 State Tournament for the third straight year. The rest of the Jackson seven were experiencing the tournament for the first time but it was nothing new to Vassalli.

“I was less nervous going into this tournament because I’ve been there twice,” Vassalli said. “Overall it’s fun and I got to spend time with my coaches and teammates.”

Vassalli started the tournament with a major decision loss to second-place finisher Devon Harrison of Liberty, who went on to win the Class 4 championship as a team. Vassalli won his next three bouts before falling to third-place finisher Zayne Reynolds of Staley in the consolation semifinals before winning the fifth-place match over Gavin Parks of Grain Valley due to an injury forfeit.

Vassalli wrestled the full 50 matches in his last year and went 42-8, to finish with a career record of 149- 26. He goes out as one of only two Jackson wrestlers to win a gold medal in the 36-team Thrasher tournament at Francis Howell High School.

“Landon was an outstanding big tournament wrestler,” Jackson head coach Steve Wachter said. “He is a three-time Class 4 All-State wrestler, which is not an easy feat.”

After four years at the premier wrestling program in the area, he said while the ending was emotional, he left “a good legacy” at Jackson and is looking forward to wrestling in college. To where, however, he is still undecided.

“It was sad but I guess I see it as I’m moving onto a different chapter,” said Vassalli on his high school career ending.

Brysen Wessell didn’t make it to the medal stand but he did earn his 40th win on the season with a close 1-0 decision over Aiden Carver of Raymore-Peculiar in the second consolation round.

New Madrid County Central saw two of its five wrestlers place sixth in the Class 1 Tournament. Connor Henderson (175) secured his place on the medal stand with a 3-2 decision over Ty Ward of St. Pius X (Kansas City) in the quarterfinal round. Caleb Moore (113) reached the semifinal round after a 7-4 decision over Brandon Brewer of Versailles.

Davarious Nunley (175) was Cape Central’s lone representative went 2-2 in the Class 3 tournament and ended his senior season with a 27-12 record.

Notre Dame sent three wrestlers to the Class 1 State Tournament. Charlie West has only wrestled for two years and reached the state tournament twice. He finished his senior season with a 37-4 record.

Poplar Bluff sent two wrestlers to the Class 4 tournament and while neither Jack Ernest nor Logan Hite reached the medal stand, Hite (44-4) secured the most wins among Southeast Missouri wrestlers.

Dexter brought three wrestlers to the Class 2 Tournament but only senior Ryan Young (144) made it to the second consolation round, getting there via medical forfeit. He finished his final season leading the trio with a 23-16 record.

Much like Dexter, Sikeston brought three wrestlers who made quick exits. Senior Jax Lancaster finished his final season with a 33-13 record.