Run to state begins as Mules, Dexter begin postseason

The state wrestling tournament kicks off next week, but for both Poplar Bluff and Dexter boys wrestling teams, the first stop is the district tournament, which begins Friday and wraps up Saturday.

One team is ready to prove their hard work this past season has paid off, and the other is finally healthy just in time to make a run at a state title.

After a long season, the Poplar Bluff Mules will have 12 participants compete for an opportunity to punch their ticket to state when the Class 4 District 1 Tournament begins Friday at Jackson. With two Lady Mules wrestlers having already punched their tickets to state, the boys are ready to land of few of their own.

One of those participants includes wrestling standout senior Lucas Robertson, who finished 28-3 and whose only losses have come against some of the top wrestlers in the state. Other seniors looking to make a run for the big show include Dace Wisdom (26-13), Hudson Matthews (26-11) and Daine Dugas (18-16).

Poplar Bluff coach Kelton Thompson is proud of his team and their progress over the season, but now he’s ready to put all that work to the test for districts.

“I believe in this team and our process to get to this point,” Thompson said. “We must execute at a high level and win the key positional battles throughout the tournament.”

“Our guys must be prepared to go to war for six hard minutes or more if needed. Digging deep and winning those 50/50 positions late in matches will be the difference this weekend,” he emphasized.

The wrestling matches begin at 5:15 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday at Jackson High School.

Poplar Bluff lineup: 120 — Branson Crum fr (15-10); 126 — Caden Hambrick so (18-11); 132 — Garrett Dearborn fr (19-18); 138 — Grant Reynolds so (9-21); 144 — Dace Wisdom sr (26-13); 150 — Lucas Robertson sr (28-3); 157 — Jack Ernest jr (21-15); 165 — Logan Hite jr (32-6); 175 — Daine Dugas sr (18-16); 190 — Kayden Walker so (17-15); 215 — Hudson Matthews sr (26-11); 285 — Andre Aguilar fr (16-13).

Dexter Bearcats

The Dexter Bearcats will compete in the Class 2 district tournament at Ste. Genevieve High School.

The Bearcats have battled injuries throughout the season, but getting the team back to full health is what Cody Boyer has dreamed of — and he’s finally getting his wish for districts.

“I’m excited about the district tournament, and I believe we have a shot this year,” Boyer said. “We’re going to have to work hard because our district matchups have been getting hotter each season. We wrestled some top competition this year, getting some wins and losses, but I’m ready to see this team compete.”

“We have truly struggled this season with all types of issues off the mat, whether it was being hurt or dealing with sickness, so I am ready to have a complete roster.”

Boyer said his team has been wrestling a lot more and getting in better shape for district, and their main goal for the tournament is to work hard and remain focused.

Dexter lineup: Eric Harmon at 132, 3 seed; Ryan Young at 144, 3 seed; Kasen Forkum at 150, 4 seed; Kolin Simpson at 157, 4 seed.