Sikeston’s Alayna Ray makes history, captures Class 1 State Championship in wrestling

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Sikeston’s Alayna Ray (37-4) won the MSHSAA Class 1 State Championship in the 235-pound weight class at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri on Thursday, Feb. 23.

Ray claimed gold with a pinfall victory over Hollie Hedgpeth (44-4) of Cameron in four minutes and 35 seconds.

“It’s crazy,” she said. “I was just a girl from a small town, but now I am a state champion from a small town. It was just like a relief when the referee’s hand hit the mat for the pin. All of the hard work paid off and it just felt good to finally accomplish that.”

Sikeston's Alayna Ray has her hand raised after a pinfall victory in the first-place match of the 235-pound weight class at the MSHSAA Class 1 State Championships at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Missouri on Thursday, Feb. 23. (Submitted by MSHSAA)

Ray overcame getting into a bad position a couple of times in the first period of the state championship match by keeping her base and never allowing her opponent to turn her.

In the second period, Ray was able to secure the top position. When her opponent tried to stand up, Ray crossed her legs and slammed her to the mat, applying a half-nelson for the win.

“At the beginning of the match my nerves and emotions were going through the roof, “ Ray said. “I came through the smoke and was pacing back in forth. It was a lot. I took a shot and my body hit the mat and knocked the wind out of me. I started to get a little worried, but I told myself that I had this. I’ve been wrestling for seven years and I’ve been to state three times. I knew I had to get it done. Afterward, everyone was very happy because they know how much I worked and how much I really wanted this.”

Ray does not plan to wrestle at the collegiate level and plans to become a third-grade teacher.

She said although she is sad her athletic journey has come to an end, she is excited for her next chapter in life.

Ray won by a 30-second fall over Destynee Small of Kirksville (16-15) in the opening round and won by fall over Selena Snell of University Academy Charter (21-10) in the quarterfinal round. She defeated Versailles’ Sarah Huffman (35-9) in the semifinals with a pin at 2:44 to advance to the championship.

Sikeston’s Jasmynne Green (22-16) finished sixth at 105 after falling to Haley Brooks (44-5) of Holden in the fifth-place match.

Green won by fall over Payton Coe of Odessa (24-16) in the first round and defeated Mary Jastal of Monett (38-9) by a 2-1 decision in the quarterfinals. Green lost to Delanie Smith (45-3) of Mid-Buchanan in the semifinal round and Kearney’s Riley Walker (41-10) in the consolation semifinals.