Last week, the De Soto High School wrestling team took four state qualifiers to the state tournament. The team placed 13th out of 53, and placed three of their wrestlers.

All four state qualifiers were seniors: Hunter Miller, Josh Miller, Chandler Carter, and Jeremy slitor. Hunter Miller and Carter both placed fifth in their weight classes, Slitor did not place.

De Soto’s highest placer, Josh Miller, placed third at state, and was one match away from remaining in the winners bracket after semifinals, but he lost to the state champion, Taylor Watkins from Columbus.

Although Slitor did not place, he went out with a bang at the tournament with a record of 2 wins and 2 losses to close out his senior year, losing to fifth place and state runner-up.

Senior Chandler Carter finished his senior year with a 3-2 record. His first loss was to a state champion as well, and his second opponent placed fourth overall.

“I wanted more, but I can’t complain,” said Carter.

Lastly, Hunter Miller took fifth in the tournament with a 3-2 record, with his only opponents taking second and third.

Overall, coach Shannon Sawner is pleased with their outing. “I’m pretty satisfied… all in all, i’m pretty happy with the turnout. any time you get three state placers, that’s pretty good,” said Sawner. Looking forward to next year, Coach Sawner is optimistic toward his team’s success.

“We’ll be less experienced next year for sure, but we’ve got some good guys returning, a few guys that have placed at some tournaments,” Sawner said.