Wrestling: Stiles places third at state

Nevada High School sophomore Slade Stiles brought home a third place medal from the Missouri State High School Activities Association State Wrestling Championships in Mizzou Arena, Columbia, Mo., Feb.17-19.

Stiles, 112 pounds, started out strong in the tournament defeating his first-round and quarterfinal matches, but lost in the semifinal round to Mitchell Bradley of Oak Grove, Bradley won the semifinal bout, 12-10, but Stiles set his sights on third place. Earning the chance to wrestle for third in the state by pinning Jesse Martinelli in 3:30, Stiles took third in a match against Devon Graville, Reeds Spring, in a 6-0 decision.

Nevada High School took three wrestlers to state this year, Stiles, junior Tanner Charles and sophomore Sam Ellifrits, bringing home a total 26.50 points, good enough for 26th place in Class 2 State Wrestling.