Reader Submitted by Coach Rick Schwab

Bearcat wrestlers embark on a journey Friday evening that they’ve been preparing for the entire season, … Districts. The top four placers at each perspective weight class will continue their journey to Columbia next Thursday, Friday and Saturday for the State Championships.


The wrestlers have been training day in and a day out even putting in two-a-days three days a week to ensure the everything is left on the mat this Friday and Saturday.

The Bearcats have had rocky season filled with talented athletes who have faced adversity through injury and sickness.

“We’re a competitive team when where at our best, but it’s been difficult, especially here at the end to complete a strong squad,” Coach Rick Schwab said.

The Bearcat wrestlers finish the regular season with a duel record of 7 – 4. In tournaments they took 7th at the Park Hills tournament, being unable to complete a full squad with 9 of 14 wrestlers. The Bearcats medaled 8 of 8 wrestlers at the McClure South Berkeley Tournament, medaled 5 at the SEMO Conference Tournament and 3 at the legendary Tiger Classic Tournament.

Despite of all the adversity, the wrestlers are geared up and ready to take on Districts. On Thursday night, the coaches of the 13 schools in the Class 2 District 1 Tournament met to fight for seeds for their wrestlers.

Dexter was able to bring home at least a top 5 seed in 7 of the 14 weight classes.

Wrestlers competing include:

Freshman 119 pound wrestler Trevor Waldner pulled a 3 seed with a 19 – 15 record. Waldner placed sixth at the Tiger Classic Tournament and fourth at SEMO Conference. Pictured above is Waldner attempting a headlock pinning combination in last weeks duel against Cape Girardeau.

Sophomore 125 pound wrestler Hunter Hardin received a 4 seed. The picture is Hardin scoring a 5-point granby in last week’s duel against Cape Girardeau.

Junior 140 pound wrestler Ryan Vanover received at 5 seed with a 19 – 12 record. Vanover placed fourth at SEMO Conference and third at McClure South Berkeley. He is a 2009 - 2010 State Qualifier. Pictured is Vanover in a spiral ride in last weeks duel against Cape Girardeau.

Senior Captain Dylan Hardin received a 5 seed at 145 lbs with a 19 – 11 record. Hardin placed fourth at SEMO Conference and fifth at McClure South Berkeley. He is a 2009 - 2010 State Qualifier. Pictured is Hardin leg riding in the 3rd place match at SEMO Conference.

Junior Cody Stevens earned a 2 seed at 160 lbs with a 23 – 5 record. Stevens placed third at SEMO Conference, third at Tiger Classic and first at McClure South Berkeley. He is a 2009 – 2010 State Qualifier. Pictured Stevens in a lateral throw at the McClure South Berkeley Tournament.

]Senior Ben Rodgers received at 4 seed at 215 lbs. with a 17 – 12 record. Pictured is Rodgers in last week’s action against Cape Girardeau.

Junior Zach Lacy earned a 2 seed at the HWT Class with a 15 – 3 record. Lacy placed third at SEMO Conference but was unable to wrestle at Tiger Classic and Berkeley due to injury. Pictured is Lacy in the SEMO Conference Tournament.

District wrestling action will be updated Friday night following the first day’s competition.