Wrestlers Compete in State Tournament
Launch the media gallery 1 playerSt. Francis qualified five wrestlers for the 321A State Wrestling Tournament in Hays on February 23 and 24, 2012. The qualifiers include Lane Hoffman at 106, Casey Keller at 113, Mikey Leibbrandt at 138, Dylan Wolaver at 152, and Zach Gienger at 182.
In first round action on Thursday, Lane Hoffman was the only Indian wrestler to advance to the championship side of the bracket. Lane decisioned Beretta Janzen of Marion, 9-3. Lane faced Brady Lowell of Republic County in the championship quarter-finals. Lane was pinned by Lowell in the first period. Lane then moved into the consolation side of the bracket and wrestled Brody Frieling of Smith Center on Friday. Lane defeated Frieling in an exciting 1-0 decision. In his final match, Lane was pinned by Logan Bowen of Atchison.
Casey lost by a fall to Joey Defore of Dexter in the first period. Casey then faced Tony Weber of Pleasant Ridge in the first round of consolation. Casey was defeated by Weber and was eliminated from the tournament.
Mikey Leibbrandt lost a close 4-3 decision to Mason Hurla of St. Marys. Mikey wrestled Jake Castlebury of Douglass in consolation competition and was defeated by a 6-2 decision. Mikey was eliminated from the tournament
Dylan faced Kregg Clarke of Lyons in round one. Dylan lost by major decision 15-3. Dylan faced Sam Watt of Caney Valley in the consolation side and lost by fall. Dylan was eliminated from the tournament.
Zach was pinned by Tyler Lowe of Eureka in the first period. Zach lost by major decision, 11-2, to Ty Swartz of Council Grove in the the wrestle-back competition. Zach was eliminated from the tournament.
