GARNETT — In Jason Bates’ six-year stint as head coach, the most state qualifiers he has had was three. Today, that is no longer the case. TJ Taylor, Trent Jones, Gary Lower, and Logan Brown earned trips to the state meet with their performances on Friday and Saturday at the 4A region meet in Garnett.
Taylor, Jones and Lower finished second in their respective divisions, while Brown was crowned region champion.
“It feels great,” Bates said. “I know the boys are excited. Once the fourth one got through, that’s when it hit home that we are a good team.”
Taylor received a bye in his first round before winning his quarterfinal bout by fall over Cade Saporito of Columbus. In the semifinals, he won by an 8-6 decision to clinch a state berth in the 113-pound division. On Saturday, Taylor lost by fall to Chanute’s Kolton Misener to earn silver at regionals.
Jones earned a win by fall over Osawatomie’s Jackson Lowe. In the quarterfinals, Jones earned a 10-3 decision victory, and comfortably won his semifinal bout by an 8-1 decision. Jones lost a tightly contested 4-1 decision on Saturday, finishing second in his weight class. This will be the sophomore’s second trip to state, he will be competing in the 145-pound weight class.
Lower, Iola’s 220-pound wrestler, won both his quarterfinal and semifinal bout by fall to solidify a place at the state meet. But on Saturday, Lower lost a 9-4 decision to earn silver in his division.
Brown also won both his semifinal and quarterfinal matches by fall in the 285-pound division, becoming the fourth Mustang to reach state. On Saturday, Brown won by injury default over Brady White of Coffeyville-Field Kindley after White’s head appeared to hit the metal leg of his coach’s chair.
The Mustangs will compete at the 4A state meet in Salina on Friday and Saturday.
