By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor

DESOTO - After two hard-fought days on the mats at DeSoto High School, the Dexter Bearcats have qualified five wrestlers for the MSHSAA State Tournament next week.

Seniors Cody Stevens (160 lbs.) and Cole Dean (132 lbs.), junior Brad Wick (170 lbs.), sophomore Trevor Waldner (126 lbs.) and freshman Dylan Bazarian (152 lbs.) all finished in the top four to move on to the state tournament.

Stevens, Waldner, and Bazarian all competed for District Titles. Stevens was the only one to bring home first place in the second District Championship of his career.

Waldner and Bazarian are both products the local AAU wrestling program, founded four years ago, and Schwab noted it as a key in the underclassmen's successes.

"Being that Stevens started as an eighth grader it took him a few years to learn the sport and prepare himself to compete," Schwab said. "For Waldner and Bazarian, they've already been through the ringer with the AAU program and have entered their high school careers ready to go."

The 'Cats struggled in the team competition; several key upsets knocked the Bearcats out of contention for a plaque after being in fifth place at the end of the first day. Ste. Genevive continued their winning ways in the team competition, taking home a District Title with a 179.5 point total. The 'Cats finished sixth, with 122.5 points.

Schwab noted his team's disappointment, but was optimistic about the future of the program.

"We fell short of our goal this weekend. The wrestlers set high expectations to bring home a plaque this year," he said. "It was within our reach as we were in second place at one point, but we were upset at a couple of different weight classes and were unable to get upsets at others. Still, the boys had a great showing and our future looks promising."

Dean, Stevens, Waldner, Bazarian, and Wick will all travel to Columbia to battle for a State Championship starting on Thursday (Feb. 16) at Mizzou Arena; the tournament will conclude on Saturday (Feb. 18).