Local wrestlers prepare for state tourney

Saturday's Region 2-AAAA Traditionals at Jones County gave local wrestlers a chance to earn a trip to the state tournament by grabbing one of the top-four spots in the region.

Greenbrier High School's Rick Stahman, a junior wrestler, came into the region competition as a highly touted favorite and was expected to sweep the 215-pound weight class.

Stahman lived up to those expectations by blowing away the competition, claiming a region title and earning a trip to the state tournament as a No. 1 seed.

"We're looking for him to do pretty well at state," Greenbrier wrestling coach Mike Meyer said.

Stahman improved his record to an impressive 33-3 on the year. He will lead Greenbrier to the state tournament, but he won't be alone.

Five other Wolfpack wrestlers finished in the top four at the region traditionals and earned a trip to the state tournament. Louie Shearer, a freshman competing in the 125-pound weight class, also took first place in the region. The first-year wrestler has yet to be pinned this season.

"I expected him to do well," Meyer said. "He came in seeded second and beat the top seed, a senior, in the championship."

Greenbrier wasn't the only local team to find success.

Lakeside High School will send seven wrestlers to the state competition, the most from any team in Columbia County.

Among the state-tournament-bound Panthers, Dennis Miller (103 pounds) and Rushton Metzler (140) won the region title in their weight classes while Kyle Hill (171 pounds), Brandon Golden (130) and Phillip Vrana (135) took second place. Kyle Tau (189) and Joe Brejda (145) each took third place.