Sophomore Cody Sandridge will bring home a medal from the state wrestling tournament for the second time in his two-year career. Sandridge is the only Republic wrestler still alive, in what has been a difficult tournament for the Tigers. Republic took six wrestlers to Columbia, but five were eliminated by the end of the second day.
Sandridge stayed alive with two wins on Friday, after dropping his first match Thursday evening, then winning one in wrestlebacks later that night. Friday, Sandridge beat Dominic Barressi of Westminster Christian Academy in a 9-2 decision, then knocked off Collin Tolliver of Platte County 3-0.
Kyle Campbell was eliminated late Friday when Nick Koon of Carl Junction pinned him at the 4:25 mark. Campbell had won his opener, lost his second match to undefeated Zadac Lankford of Warrensburg, then defeated Thomas Massengale of Willard.
Kerik Crouse, who put together perhaps the best overall season of any Republic wrestler, ended his disappointing state tournament appearance with a 7-1 loss to Jared Allnutt of Warrensburg in the 2nd round of wrestlebacks.
Senior Tanner Willis ended his season in the 2nd consolation round also, losing 13-5 to Ethan Karsten of Platte County.
Antonio Escobar of Ladue Horton Watkins ended the season of Justin Rogers with a pin in the 2nd consolation round Friday morning.
Sandridge will meet senior Grant Sachs of Ladue (32-4) Saturday. The winner will wrestle for 3rd place overall, and the loser will go for 5th place in the 138-pound division.
