AREA WRESTLERS MAKE CUT FOR SECTIONAL MEET

ST. LOUIS -- Competing in one of the state's toughest wrestling districts, Jackson and Cape Girardeau Central both fared well during Saturday's Class 4A, District 1 Meet at Mehlville High School.

Jackson qualified eight wrestlers for Saturday's 4A, Sectional 1 Meet at Fox High School in Arnold. Cape Central qualified six wrestlers for the sectional.

The top four finishers in each weight class at the district advanced on to sectionals, from where the top four finishers will qualify for the state meet, set for Feb. 18-20 in Columbia.

Defending 4A state champion Oakville ran away with the district team title, scoring 249 points. Fox was second with 150.5, followed by Lindbergh (123.5), Jackson (108.5), Cape Central (83.5), Mehlville (79.5), Northwest (71) and Poplar Bluff (17).

"It was just a rugged, rugged district," said Jackson coach Steve Wachter. "I thought we wrestled well and we probably got a couple of more through (to sectionals) than what I thought.

"Oakville is just an outstanding team and Fox and Lindbergh are also very good. Oakville has a shot to win state again. I thought us and Cape Central both did well."

No local wrestler won a district titles. For Jackson, Brett Stroud (112 pounds), Adam Wachter (125) and Lance Schlick (135) all placed second. Finishing third were Cyle Huck (130), Kyle Watson (140), Mark Wade (152) and Spencer Hobeck (215). Ricky Feiner (103) was fourth.

Schlick suffered his first loss of the season when he dropped an 11-5 decision to Oakville standout Jake Hopson in the championship match. Hopson is 38-1, with his only loss coming to a wrestler from Illinois. Schlick fell to 30-1.

"That was an outstanding match," said Wachter. "Jake Hopson is an outstanding wrestler and so is Lance."

For Cape Central, Matt Strickland (189) was second. Placing third were Hoss Hodges (103) and Kevin Allen (119) while finishing fourth were Keith Benton (112), Alex Elfrink (215) and Craig Knoth (heavyweight).