Photos by Alex Stein

Overcast, Hicks Reach State Semifinals with Comeback Wins

Keaton Overcast and Chase Hicks both reached the state semifinals in their weight classes with come-from-behind quarterfinal victories on the first day of the Class 4 State Wrestling Tournament in Columbia. They’re both guaranteed state medals, but will each have their eyes on a potential state championship as wrestling begins Saturday.

Photos by Alex Stein

Boys State Wrestling - Day 1 (February 28, 2025)

Overcast opened the tournament with a pin of Connor McBride of Marquette. In the quarterfinal match, Overcast trailed Brady McMurtry of Hickman 3-1 heading into the third round. An escape closed McMurtry’s lead to 3-2, and a late takedown by Overcast earned his spot in the semifinal. Overcast (32-4) will meet Ross Davis of Liberty (33-8) in the semifinal.

Hicks had a similar route to the medal rounds. He knocked off Kaden Updike of Oakville with a pin in the first round. In the quarterfinal match, he trailed Garo Sams of Francis Howell Central 3-0 after round one. But a takedown and nearfall put Hicks on top in the second period, and he held on for a 7-4 decision. Hicks (35-6) will wrestle Masen Bindel (20-7) in the semifinal Saturday.

Republic’s third wrestler, Kameron Sutton (30-16), was eliminated Friday. He lost his opener to Sammy Mormino (42-4) of Park Hill by technical fall. In his second match, he led through two rounds but dropped a 9-6 decision to Tyler Abell of Rock Bridge.