Lebanon’s wrestling teams concluded their seasons late last week in Jefferson City, with three boys and two girls having qualified to compete at state. Freshman Blake Lively, junior Sopheia Quinn, and senior Jessa Joiner all medaled in their weight classes. The high school sent off the qualifiers on Thursday.
With meets officially beginning back in December, both the boys and girls have competed in over 10 regular season meets, including the Central Ozarks Conference Championships, before districts. Lebanon boys are classified as Class 4, and Lebanon girls are classified as Class 2. Their state competitions began on Friday and continued Saturday.
On the girls’ side, Joiner took the state championship title in the 115 lbs. weight class, which the Lebanon Yellowjacket Wrestling Facebook page notes is her third such title. Quinn took third place in the 235 lbs. weight class.
On the boys’ side, Coach Nathaniel Rogers was pleased with his team’s performance throughout the season. Lively, freshman Ty Alley and sophomore Kaleb Branch competed at the state level.
Lively took a sixth-place state medal in the 190 lbs. weight class, which Rogers noted was especially impressive in a category that upperclassmen usually dominate. For Alley and Branch, Rogers said their state experience lit a fire for their future wrestling seasons.
Preparing for next year comes early, as Rogers said the team has been making plans for their offseason work. Rogers was excited for the future of his young team.
“Keep an eye on these boys, because they will be fun to watch,” Rogers said.
