Spencer earns No. 1 seed at 130 pounds
Before the season began, each and every member of the Carthage High School varsity wrestling team likely had three dates marked on their calendars: Carthage’s dual with Neosho, this weekend’s Class 3 District 4 meet and next week’s state meet in Columbia.
Given that Carthage’s dual against Neosho at home was less than memorable, this weekend’s district tournament, which begins at 6 p.m. today in Belton, becomes awfully important for the Tigers.
As always, the meet is paramount for every wrestler as a trip to the 2009 Missouri State High School Activities Association’s Wrestling Championships is on the line.
Coming off a dominant performance at the Grandview Tournament and successive dual wins to close the regular season, the Tigers, who competed at the Class 3 District 3 tournament last season, enter this year’s district tournament with a lot of confidence and momentum.
The Tigers, who left today for Belton, will face a number of talented wrestlers over the next two days in one of the toughest districts in the state.
“It is the toughest district,” Carthage Head Coach Kenny Brown said without any hesitation.
The Tigers send seven grapplers to Belton who are without district experience. Even so, Brown said the district tournament shouldn’t overwhelm any of the newcomers.
“District is not as bad because it’s just a regular old gym just like we’re used to wrestling in,” Brown said. “These guys have been wrestling tough matches all year, so that part doesn’t really bother me. The first time at state is different because it’s such a huge venue.”
Brown is, however, concerned about the setup of the district tournament.
“Most of our tournaments we go to have been pool tournaments, that way we can get kids plenty of matches,” Brown said. “This is the only dual-elimination tournament we have other than a (junior varsity) tournament at Coffeyville (Kan.). The kids have to realize if they lose two (matches) they are done.
“Double-elimination is a different animal. A lot of kids who make the semifinals don’t go to state because they can’t immediately refocus.”
In addition, Brown emphasized the importance of winning a district championship.
“It’s huge because it sets you up for the whole (state) tournament,” he said. “For the guys who have been here before, it’s not if they will place, but how high they can place because it’s going to set them up for the next level.”
Carthage enters the district tournament with only one No. 1 seed — 130-pound senior Clint Spencer, who recently captured his 150th career win, in the 13-team field. MissouriWrestling.com currently ranks Spencer, a three-time state qualifier and returning district champion, No. 1 at 130 pounds. Class 3 District 3 features the top three Class 3 teams in the state: Oak Park, Kearney and Neosho. Neosho, of course, captured district honors last season while competing in Class 3 District 3, along side Carthage and Webb City.
"Neosho is one of the best teams in the state," Brown said. "You also have several other teams with several quality individuals. There is no doubt some of these brackets are the toughest in the state."
First round matches, first-round wrestlebacks and quarterfinals will be held today. Semifinal matches will begin at 10 a.m. on Saturday, with finals to follow.
Wrestler Weight
Kyle Shaner (3) 103
Nate Kelly* (3) 112
Zach Hensley 119
Josh Mason* (3) 125
Clint Spencer* (1) 130
Cory Heinz 135
Seth Golay (5) 140
Larry Swinehart 145
Estevan Maturino (6) 152
Kyle Guenther 160
Garrett Buzzard (2) 171
Charles Pickard 189
Open 215
Erick Vargas 275
The Class 3 District 4 seed meeting was held on Wednesday. * indicates returning state qualifiers and ( ) indicates seed.
