The path to the state tournament was always going to run through Warren County. Seven Pioneers made sure they would be at sectionals to represent the home team and make a push toward state.
Zerek Keel, JR Mares, Xavier Simmons, Brayden McKinley, Sabastien Smith, Jakoby Odineal and PJ Truax will all be on their home mat this Saturday when sectionals are held at Warren County High School. Each earned their way by finishing in the top four at last weekend's region tournament at Cane Ridge.
Keel, a junior with two trips to state under his belt already, won a region championship for the second time, taking top honors at 175 pounds Saturday. Mares, a sophomore will loads of potential in the heavyweight division, was also a region champ over the weekend.
"It was a tremendous showing from our team, which is growing into one of the best in the Midstate," said coach Matt Turner. "Our guys are growing and improving every time they get out there. They'll get a chance to prove themselves once again this weekend against the best the state has to offer.
"This is a huge event and we take a lot of pride in getting to host. Most of the matches in sectionals now are what used to be the opening day at the state tournament. It's a big honor to make it to this level."
Keel picked up his 100th career victory as a Pioneer while running through region competition. He won his first three matches by pinfall, then saved his best performance for the finals when he took down Blackman's Landon Franklin in overtime to capture a 3-1 decision and region title.
Due to piling up 25 regular-season wins, Mares earned a bye in the first round and pinned his first two opponents to make it to the finals. In the last matchup, Mares was in a tight battle with Coffee County's Blayne Myers until the very end. Mares earned a key point in the last minute to win 2-1 over his border rival.
Simmons and McKinley nearly made it four Pioneers to top the podium at regionals. Both were stellar in their divisions (215 and 144 pounds, respectively) before falling by decision in the finals.
Odineal, Truax and Smith each made it to the semifinals in their weight classes and won consolation bouts to finish third at region.
To advance to state, each Pioneer will need to place in the top four this weekend at home. Matchups are scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. (weigh-in will take place at 9 a.m.). Wrestlers from 21 teams are set to be in town for the battle for state bids.
"We hope to see a ton of people show up and show support for these guys. This is some of the best wrestling you're going to see in the state all year. It's going to intense," said Turner.
