Southeast Missourian Athlete of the Week: Jackson's Preston Hobeck

Jackson junior heavyweight wrestler Preston Hobeck fittingly pinned his opponent to close out a dominating performance by the Indians at the Tiger Classic.

Hobeck claimed the Indians' ninth individual title at the meet as Jackson defended its team crown by accumulating 439 points. That total bettered the Indians' winning score from the previous year by 116 1/2 points and was more than 140 points ahead of runner-up Northwest.

Hobeck, who repeated as the Classic's heavyweight champion, was among five Indians to remain unbeaten on the season. That group includes junior Jarrett Reisenbichler (113), sophomore Jake Byrd (120), junior Clayton Collier (152) and senior Tyler Rush (138).

Hobeck has been enjoying a banner junior year. He recently was selected Class 5 first-team all-state in football as a defensive lineman.