Four Gallatin Youth Wrestlers advance to State Tournament – one brings home a medal

The Gallatin Youth Wrestling team advanced four wrestlers to the Missouri State USA Wrestling tournament at The Hearnes Center in Columbia last weekend and Chad Ness brought home a sixth place medal in the eight and under 70 pound class. The top four wrestlers in each age and weight category advance out of Regional competition for a right to earn a trip to state.

Earning the trip to Columbia from Gallatin were Kevin Eaton, Cody Selby, Stephen Wood, and Chad.

All four wrestlers battled hard in Columbia against the best wrestlers in the state of Missouri. After Chad suffered a hard-fought loss in the first round, he battled his way back into contention with three straight wins to move into the medal round. This is Chad’s first year in the Gallatin Youth wrestling club, and we look for great things in the future from him and all the youth wrestlers who competed this year.

Cody and Stephen will move on to high school next year, and will be missed as they have been perennial state competitors over the past several years. Derrick McBroom and Dale Ray Curtis also move on to the high school ranks next season and will be missed. These four eighth graders provided strong leadership for the club.

The coaching staff has worked very hard this year, donating endless hours to teach these youngsters, and they are pleased with the success of all the wrestlers in the program. The wrestlers wish to extend their appreciation to the following coaches for their tireless efforts: Charlie Eaton, Theresa Eaton, Larry Rhoades, Janet Rhoades, Kurt Esbeck, Tina Esbeck, John Wood, Kyle McBroom, Chuck Ness, Kim Ness, Karla Michener, and Tim Michener. The wrestlers also appreciate the parents who kept the coaches in line and assisted at each tournament with brackets and paperwork.