Wrestlers head to state today
Staff Report
Eleven local wrestlers begin the march toward a state title today.
The state championship meets begin in Lakeland today, with area wrestlers competing in Class A, Class 2A and Class 3A.
In Class 3A, Niceville qualified a school-record six grapplers for state competition. The Eagles finished second as a team at the meet, and will send Nate Hartley (152 pounds), Dan Dunwald (103), David Jones (112), Jacob Green (119), Lance Murray (140) and Will Jones at 145 pounds. Hartley was a regional champion, while Dunwald and David Jones both finished second. This is Will Jones' second trip to state.
"We're looking forward to it," Niceville coach Morrie Geselter said. "This is what we've worked for all year."
In Class 2A, Fort Walton Beach and Choctawhatchee will each send two wrestlers. The Vikings, who finished ninth as a team, will be represented by region champion Matt Cabanas at 119 pounds and Andrew Fuller at 152 pounds. Fuller also qualified for state last year.
The Indians will be represented by Patrick Fitzgerald at 135 pounds and Kyle Purcell in the 275-pound division. It will be Fitzgerald’s third trip to state and Purcell’s second.
In Class A, heavyweight JuWayne Tanner took fourth at regionals to advance to state for the second straight year.
