Menu
Tiger trio qualify for state wrestling tourney
MONETT, Mo. -- The Nevada Tiger wrestling team will send three of its wrestlers to compete with the state's toughest competitors later this week. The team participated in the district tournament in Monett on Friday and Saturday. Sophomores Mason Heard, 112 pounds; Cole Bond, 152 pounds; and Spenser Daniels, 171 pounds; all worked their way through the district event to gain acceptance to the state tournament held in Columbia, Mo., Feb. 16-18. Bond and Daniels received first place honors and Heard received fourth. The team finished eighth overall.
"This season has been a wonderful season for the whole team. We wanted to take more to state, but now the rest of the team can make this a starting point for next year. Although Keith didn't get back to state this year, we were very happy with his consistency throughout the season and his team leadership as a captain," Coach Kevin Huck said.
"This week I want to work on perfecting my technique and really concentrate on being prepared," Heard said. Heard will head to the state tournament for the second time in his career. He will go into the tournament with a 25-13 record. Huck said, "He's an experienced state wrestler. We expect good things and we're excited to see him go."
"I plan on working on details and the small stuff this week. I'm just going to go in and give everyone a run for their money," Bond said. This will be Bond's first appearance at the state tournament. He will go into the tournament ranked first in the state with a 32-2 record. Huck said, "This is a really exciting time for us. It's a very nice surprise this season."
"I had a really good week with the district tournament, and I look forward to practice this week," Daniels said. It is also Daniels' second trip to the state tournament. He will go into the tournament with a 26-5 record. Huck said, "Spenser's been working on his wrestling all summer long."
The Tigers will start their competition Thursday morning in Mizzou Arena in Columbia.