State wrestling championships are such a fleeting spectacle.
It all came down to two days of competition at brand-spanking-new Intrust Bank Arena before thousands of fans from throughout Kansas — yet one loss shattered the chance of winning the top prize.
Dodge City High School, featuring nine qualifers, had Class 6A state championship aspirations. Although the Red Demons had only one wrestler in the finals in second-place finisher Jesse Trent (285), they still totaled six state medalists Saturday.
“As a coaching staff, we’re real pleased about how we did,” Dodge City head coach Lars Lueders said. “Six out of nine is awesome. Last year, we had four state-place winners and this year we have six.”
Senior Jace Banner (189), top-ranked and unbeaten enterting the state tournament, lost in the semifinals on Friday night. But he rebounded to place third, as did Hunter Edwards (140).
WICHITA —
