The Waynesville High School wrestling team travelled to Park Hill High School in Kansas City last Saturday to compete in the Park Hill Duals against some of the top wrestling talent in the Midwest. And the WHS grapplers had a great showing, winning two, losing two and tying one.
“Overall, I thought that it was a good way to begin season,” said WHS head coach Jeff Davis. “The boys fought very hard and saw some of the best kids in the state and surrounding states.”
The Tigers lost to the hosts and defending Missouri Class 4 state champions Park Hill 60-12 and also dropped a dual to Lewis Central (Council Bluffs, Iowa) 50-15.
However, the Tigers turned it around to defeat Excelsior Springs 32-29 and then beat Shawnee Mission Heights (Kan.) 44-36.
The Tigers tied Liberty 30-30 to round out their five duals.
Freshman Lemuel Johnson had the best day at the tournament for Waynesville, going 5-0 in the 103 weight class and setting the school record for fastest pin. He pinned Lewis Central’s Eric Kruse only eight seconds into the match.
“Lemuel has a very bright future wrestling for the Tigers,” Davis said.
Two other Tigers got through the weekend with only one loss: senior Eric Mateo (135) and senior Russ Flores (140).
The Tigers travel to Branson this week for a dual meet with the Pirates, whom they defeated last season in a dual at Waynesville. The meet will begin at 5 p.m. Thursday.
