Mt. Zion High School Wrestlers continue winning ways at Granite City Tournament

(12/29/2007)

In what is considered one of the nation's toughest high school tournaments (www.wrestlingusa.com), the Mt. Zion High School wrestlers had a strong showing in the Granite City Holiday Tournament.  The tournament was loaded with the top wrestlers and teams from the states of Missouri and Illinois.  Despite the competition, Mt. Zion's young team managed an 11th place finish which also seals an invitation to next year's tournament.  

Starting at 130 lbs., Bo Schlosser continued his impressive season with a 3rd place finish.  The bracket included Ellis Coleman, the #1 ranked wrestler in the State of Illinois at 130 lbs, Tyler Prazma who has received Honorable Mention in the state ranking at 130 lbs. and Drake Houdeshelt who is currently the #4 ranked wrestler in the State of Missouri.

Carlos Maldonado reached the 135 lbs. finals, before losing a tough bout to Mac Bailey the #1 ranked wrestler in Missouri.  Carlos' bracket also included Jared Ragan the #10 ranked wrestler in Illinois.  

At 145 lbs. Freshman Joe Butler held his own with a 6th place finish.  He lost the 5th place match to Sauerwine from Bellville Atlhoff considered one of the top wrestlers in the Southern Section.  The winner of Joe's bracket, Dylan Joiner is the #2 ranked wrestler in Missouri.

Junior Brandon Watson won his 5th place match at 152 lbs.  Brandon also found himself in a difficult bracket with Illinois state ranked wrestlers Quincy Jackstadt from Edwardsville and Dan Martin from Oak Park-River Forest.  Also the #3 ranked wrestler from the state of Missouri, R.J. McCravy won the 152 lbs weight class.