By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

The Dexter Bearcats have had solid performances so far in the 2011-2012 Wrestling season, and added another to the list with a Fifth Place finish in the SEMO Conference Tournament last weekend.

The Bearcats had four wrestlers medal in the two-day tournament: Sophomore Trevor Waldner (126 lbs.) and senior Cody Stevens (160 lbs.) brought home silver medals, while seniors Cole Dean (132 lbs.) and Zach Lacy (220 lbs.) both earned bronze medals for their efforts.

Waldner, Stevens, Dean, and Lacy were all a perfect 3-0 after their first day, while freshman Dylan Bazarian (152 lbs.), sophomore Wes Ashley (120 lbs.), and juniors Brad Wick (170 lbs.) and Damien Glasener (195 lbs.) all posted 2-1 efforts.

"After a good start we have a great opportunity ahead of us," head coach Rich Schwab said after the first day. "We'll really have to battle tomorrow, but we've got a great shot to finish well in this tournament."

After two rounds of pool play, the four medal-winners were all that remained; Stevens and Walnder finished first in their respective pools, while Lacy and Dean finished second to move into the third place bracket.

"We had a great showing in a very tough tournament," Schwab said after the medal round. "Some of our boys were able to place high, giving us some good team points. This tournament is a great stepping-stone in our preparation for District on Feb. 10th."

The 'Cats were scheduled for matches on Tuesday and Thursday of this week, but both were cancelled; the next match on the dockett is set for Tuesday, Jan. 31, when the 'Cats travel to Sikeston for a double-duel with the host Bulldogs and the NMCC Eagles.

Photo Above: Zach Lacy moves for a pin during the Tiger Classic tournament in December. Reader submitted photo from Kelly Mangus.