Sikeston Bulldogs punch tickets to the state meet

FARMINGTON, Mo. — Sikeston had three wrestlers qualify for the state meet.

The Bulldogs’ George Rodgers, Jax Lancaster, and Conner Michael battled through a tough MSHSAA Class 3, District 1 Tournament, securing their chance to shine in Columbia.

Rodgers (25-9) earned a bronze medal in the 150-pound weight class.

“Qualifying for state shows me that my hard work has paid off, on and off the mat,” Rodgers said. “I thought I wrestled great in all my matches.”

After a narrow 8-6 opening loss to LaDue Horton Watkins’ James Rowe (43-10), Rodgers stormed back with four consecutive victories.

“It was tough going to the backside of the bracket,” Rodgers said. “Having to wrestle knowing I could be done for the season if I lost.”

Sikeston's Jax Lancaster competes in the MSHSAA Class 3, District 1 Tournament at Farmington on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.Courtesy of Michael Boyd

He powered through with an 8-1 decision over Cape Central's Breven Coleman (9-25), a 9-0 major decision over North County's Jon Moore (7-7), and a thrilling 9-7 sudden victory-1 over Hillsboro's Gary Loveless (26-20).

Finally, Rodgers exacted his revenge on Rowe in the third-place match with a decisive 9-4 win.

Lancaster (32-11) competed in the 157-pound division and also earned a third-place finish.

Sikeston assistant coach Charles Michael and Conner Michael stand for a photo following the MSHSAA Class 3, District 1 Tournament at Farmington on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2024.Submitted

“It meant a lot for me because it represents the hard work and time I’ve put into this sport,” Lancaster said. “

Lancaster opened with a dominant pinfall victory over Webster's Sam Miller (18-22) in just three minutes and 59 seconds.

A tough 3-0 decision loss to Hillsboro's CJ Bauer (34-11) in the quarterfinals didn't derail Lancaster.

He pinned DeSoto's Nolan Selsor (21-21) in 2:52, securing his spot in the third-place match.

“I only lost one match by three points and if I see him again then I’ll be ready to take it back to him,” Lancaster said. “

A nail-biting 3-1 sudden victory-1 over Farmington's Lane Weiss (30-17) sealed Lancaster's bronze medal finish.

“Sometimes when you watch your teammates lose or you recognize the names of good wrestlers then I can start to doubt myself,” Lancaster confessed. “But I was able to overcome that challenge by listening to my teammates encourage me and by just reflecting on all the good memories and all the hard work I put into the sport.”

Michael (13-10) fought hard for a fourth-place finish in the 138-pound weight class.

“I grew up in the wrestling room seeing past wrestlers going to state and it’s always been a part of my goals,” Michael said.

He opened with a strong 10-3 decision over DeSoto's Thomas Bradley (25-9). A loss to Rockwood Summit's Minko Brown (27-7) in the quarterfinals couldn't keep him down.

Michael rebounded with a 7-0 decision over North County's Aiden Nash (21-12), punching his ticket to the state tournament.

Michael's hard-fought 3-2 loss to Farmington's Zach Dennis (36-11) in the third-place match showed true grit.

“There are a few key things I could have done better but I will improve on those before heading to Columbia,” Michael concluded. “I had to go through some adversity early on facing the No. 2 seed right off the bat and upsetting him was huge for my district run.”

The MSHSAA Class 3 State Meet will take place on February 23 and 24 at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri.