Connor Sandridge finished his season with four consecutive victories, storming through the consolation bracket at 170 to take third place at the Class 4 state wrestling tournament in Columbia.
In his third-place match, Sandridge trailed 2-0 to Cole Harrell of Columbia Hickman as the third period began. But he got a takedown to tie the score 2-2, then won it on another takedown in overtime to get the win.
Sandridge’s only loss was in the quarterfinals to Hayden Trezek, a senior from Francis Howell who is still unbeaten going into the championship match.
Sandridge’s third-place finish is the best ever for a Republic wrestler in Class 4. Jonathan O’Connell finished fourth in Class 4 in 2020 and Wyatt George finished fifth last year.