On Saturday, Feb. 20, three De Soto High School students qualified for the State wrestling tournament which will be held in Salina on Friday, Feb. 26 to the following afternoon.

The two of the DHS students include juniors Nate Panagakis and Lawson Marshall, who received 1st and 4th, respectively. Senior Jackson McQuality qualified for State as well after receiving 3rd place.

Panagakis is very happy with how he has competed this season and during Regionals, and is aiming for a top six finish at State.

“My most difficult match [during Regionals] would be against the wrestler who got 2nd. It was the closest by points [7-2], and it was a great match,” Panagakis said. “I beat the guy who got 3rd by 12 points, and I pinned the kid who got 4th.”

Although the competition at State will be incredibly tough, Panagakis is excited to be able to show his hard work during the season.

“My main goal [at State] is to place in the top six, but I’m going to do the best that I can and try to win it,” Panagakis said.

Panagakis has received the third seed in the tournament, and will wrestle in the 160 lb weight class.

As a senior, McQuality’s goal since freshman year has been to qualify for State, and he has achieved his goal in the 152 lb weight class.

McQuality received 3rd at the Regional tournament.

“My toughest match would probably be between the wrestler from Santa Fe Trail and another from Tonganoxie. The Santa Fe Trail one was my closest match, but the kid from Tonganoxie was for 3rd place, so I didn’t expect an easy match,” McQuality said.

“I’ve never been to State before, and I heard it was an amazing experience, so I’m very glad to be able to compete this year,” McQuality said. “I’ve heard stories, and I’m excited to be able to experience it for myself,” McQuality said.

McQuality’s seed for the tournament is unknown.

Marshall received 4th place in the tournament, wrestling in the 220 weight class. Marshall’s seed is unknown for the tournament.

These three wrestlers will leave on Friday, Feb. 26, in typical DHS State sendoff style with a parade in the halls in their honor, along with the student body wishing them good luck.