Centralia boys and girls wrestlers had a chance to host for the first time on Thursday night. After having one home dual cancelled due to winter weather, the Panthers and Lady Panthers hosted Moberly and Southern Boone.
The Panthers defeated Southern Boone 63-18 but lost 39-38 to Moberly while the Lady Panthers defeated Moberly 45-6 but lost 42-36 to Southern Boone.
For the Panthers, state-ranked and returning state finalist Weston Ward won two decisions, 7-5 over Moberly state-ranked Landon Morris and 8-7 over Southern Boone state-ranked Grant Leininger. State-ranked freshmen Charlie Robinson and Louis Suddarth each won two matches, and others to win matches include Waylon Adkisson, Wyatt Adkisson, Leighton Auck, Bryson Dubes, Blake Bodine, Rex Bryson and Ian Tuggle.
For the Lady Panthers, Jayci Shelton defeated two state-ranked wrestlers who were are also returning medalists. Shelton pinned Southern Boone's Addy Pasley and then defeated returning state champion Moberly's Breanne Gibbs 8-6 after being down 5-0 in the first period. Madie Shelton and Jamila Juma each picked up pinfall victories for Centralia.
Look for the full story in the Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, edition of the Mexico Ledger.
