Tigers O’Connell, George advance to Mo. State Tournament

wo Republic wrestlers will compete at the state tournament this weekend in Columbia. Jonathan O’Connell and Wyatt George both advanced with their performances at the district tournament in Jefferson City over the weekend. O’Connell won the district championship at 145 pounds and George was runner-up at 106.
The four match wins at districts for O’Connell ran his record to 49-0 this season. He’s returning to the state tournament for the third consecutive year. In his previous two appearances, he finished second.
George will be making his second trip to the state tournament, where he also earned a medal last year. He lost a 12-3 decision to Nixa’s Zan Fugitt in the district championship match.
Two other Republic wrestlers came within a single win of advancing to state. Gabe Hesington lost the consolation semifinal to Cole Harrell of Columbia Hickman, ending his high school wrestling career.
At 160, freshman Connor Sandridge won his first two matches to advance to the semifinals, where he faced Aaron McDaniel of Waynesville. McDaniel had defeated Sandridge 13-2 in Sandridge’s first-ever varsity match to begin the season. But Sandridge had McDaniel (28-2) on the ropes in the semifinals, up 4-2 in the final minute. McDaniel tied the score, then won in overtime to knock Sandridge into the consolation bracket. In Sandridge’s bubble match, Marquis McCaster of Rock Bridge won a 2-1 decision to advance to state.
The state tournament begins next Thursday at Mizzou Arena in Columbia.