Pekin beats out competition, defends Sectionals title

Michael Jones (132 lbs.) was the first Panther to finish with a gold, having received a bye in the first round and then picking up a quick pin in the semifinal. Jones had his toughest battle in the Championship when he faced Teddy Metcalf (Van Buren), slightly leading 6-5 after a high-scoring first period. Just as quick, Jones trailed 7-6 and was able to escape for his final point in the third to force extra time. Jones won the sudden victory with a near-fall midway through the extra minute to earn the gold.

Zach Hammes (138 lbs.) and Cael Baker (145 lbs.) followed suit with titles of their own. Hammes quickly made his way to the Championship with a bye in the first round and a pin midway through the first in the semifinal match. He faced a tougher challenge by taking on Trent Hendricks (Sigourney) in the Championship. Hammes held onto a 5-1 lead at the end of the first period and pushed it 7-2 in the second before dominating in the third period to win a 16-5 decision and take the title. Baker made quick work in the semifinal and, like Hammes, took a big lead over his opponent in the Championship match. Baker was tied with Robert Frazer (Waco) at the conclusion of the first period but got his offense going by scored eight points in the second and four more points in the third for a 14-2 victory.