Senior Jake Laswell was the runner-up in the 182-pound weight class, and freshman Cody Sandridge earned 6th place in the 126-pound division, as the Republic Tigers finished their most successful state tournament in history.
Laswell’s first defeat of the tournament came in the finals against the same wrestler who had defeated him in districts last weekend. Jonathan Inman of Branson captured the state championship by defeating Laswell and improving his record to 47-1 for the season. Inman pinned Laswell at the 1:22 mark of the first round. Laswell ended his year with a 48-5 record.
Sandridge became the first freshman in Republic history to medal at state, advancing through wrestlebacks after an early loss to earn a spot in the medal rounds. He lost his fifth-place match to Jeff Miller (38-9) of Pacific, 6-1. Sandridge was 37-20 for the season.
Republic sent five wrestlers to state for the first time ever, with Lance Gregory, Dustin Eby and Kerik Crouse earning spots alongside Laswell and Sandridge. The Tigers ended with 33 points overall, tied for 15th out of 47 teams in Class 3. Kearney won the Class 3 title.
