By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports

As the MSHAA Wrestling tournament began, four Dexter Bearcat wrestlers arrived in Columbia to make their own attempt at a state title. Cody Stevens, Trevor Waldner, Dylan Hardin and Zach Lacy all qualified this past weekend at the district tournament and left Dexter yesterday with high hopes.

The wrestlers were to report today for their scheduled weigh in and this afternoon the 3A Class matches started. By the end of the day, Cody Stevens had come out of the afternoon with a victory and a chance to continue on tomorrow in the quarterfinals of the tournament. Waldner, Hardin and Lacy were all defeated in their matches today and unfortunately have been eliminated.

Stevens will be the only Bearcat Wrestler remaining in the double elimination tournament this weekend. A victory tomorrow in the quarterfinals will assure Cody of a medal position in the tournament.

"The competition was very stiff here at the State level," said Coach Rick Schwab. "But the boys gave a good effort and just came up a little short."

All hopes for continued success for Cody from his teammates, coaches and the Bearcat Nation in tomorrows matches. Congratulations to all four Bearcats wrestlers for the advancement to the Missouri State Wrestling tournament and the entire team for a great 2010-2011 Wrestling season.