Wrestlers qualify for state

HOLTON — The Allen County Wrestling Club mixed in four parts exhilaration and one part heartbreak Saturday at the District I championships.
Four of the five wrestlers, Trenton Jones, Andrew Garber, Seth Sanford and Curt Shannon, took home top-four finishes in their respective divisions to qualify for the upcoming state tournament.
Jeremy Ridge came up just short of qualifying for state. He finished sixth in the 10-and-under, 76-pound division.
Jones took home second in the 8-and-under, 110-pound division, while Shannon took fourth in the 8-and-under, 40-pound group.
At 14-and-under, Sanford took third at 235 pounds. Garber finished third at 165 pounds as well.
The state tournament is Friday and Saturday in Topeka.
“This year has been successful, no matter the outcome on Saturday,” coach John Taylor said. “These kids have worked hard all season, and I am proud to stand in their corner as they compete in their last tournament of the season.”
Taylor noted both Sanford and Garber are previous state qualifiers.
“But this is the first time for Curt and Trenton,” he said. “It will be an experience they will always remember.”