Affton, Missouri - The Dexter Bearcat varsity wrestling squad was on the road this past weekend, traveling to the St. Louis area to participate in the Affton Invitational Wrestling Tournament.  Affton played host to eight teams primarily from the metropolitan area.

With outstanding performances by many underclass wrestlers, the 'Cats were able to win first place in the overall tournament, with the host Affton team in second place.

"This was a good day for Dexter Wrestling," commented Head Wrestling Coach James Sneed.  "Our wrestlers competed well and the hard work they are putting in the wrestling room is starting to show." 

With bracketed weight divisions, the Bearcats got a good start in the opening matches, winning ten out of eleven matches in the first round of the tournament.  They continued their winning ways by going 19-3 throughout the next two rounds.

"I thought our conditioning was pretty good and we won some matches by taking them into the 3rd period," added Sneed.

The all important medal rounds are considered by many to be the "money rounds" for wrestlers.  The Bearcats had finished strong in the earlier matches to carry eleven wrestlers into these matches to contend for medal wins. 

Dexter was able to finish 7-4 that round and qualified seven wrestlers for the final Championship matches.  The remaining four wrestlers were still competing in the tournament for third place finishes.

In the finals, the Bearcats ended the tournament with 5 individual champions including James Mullins (120#), Storm Massey (126#), Trevor Waldner (138#), Ethan Stevens (145#) and Dylan Bazarian (160#). 

The 'Cats also had two 2nd place finishes in Brad Wick (182#) and Damien Glasener (HWT) and one 3rd place finish of Brandon Twomey (105#).

"We had 3 open weight classes yesterday and hope to be back at full strength," said Sneed.  "We are getting our kids to their optimal wrestling weights and have a couple back from injuries this coming week."

Senior Logan Quertermous has been cleared to start working out with the team this next week.  Logan has been sitting out due an injury he suffered at the conclusion of the football season.

"We look for Logan to compete in the 182 lb weight class this year," said Sneed.

The Bearcats will be back in action this coming week as they host a dual meet against New Madrid County Central on Tuesday, December 4th and a triad on Thursday, December 6th against Cape Notre Dame and Poplar Bluff.  Tuesday's match will begin at 6:00 and Thursday's matches will begin at 5:00.  Come out and support your Bearcat Wrestling program.