~from The Sturgis News
Union County Middle School wrestler Bryce Sheffer claimed his fourth middle school state title this weekend as he led the UCMS Indians to the State team club title.
Sheffer, who dominated the competition, won by a score of 8-0 in his final match to become only the second wrestler in Kentucky history to win 4 middle school individual state wrestling titles. Sheffer was also voted the state's Most Outstanding Wrestler for his performance.
Chance Oxford capped off his middle school career by winning the 113 pound state title. In the championship match, Oxford had to overcome an early 4-1 deficit and then hustle to secure a takedown in the last 10 seconds of the match to claim a 6-4 win over Trent Johnson of John Hardin in what proved to be the most exciting match of the state finals.
Saul Ervin claimed the 92 pound state title in a win over Conner Kraezig of River City by a score of 4-1 in the gold medal match. Ervin, who was sidelined most of the season due to an injury, regained his championship form at the state tournament as he rolled through the competition.
Other state placers for the Indians were Micah Ervin, Avery Buckman, and Heath Luttrell. Micah Ervin placed fifth in the 86 pound weight division. Ervin, who is only in the fifth grade, was one of many elementary wrestlers that competed well for the Indians this season. Avery Buckman came away with a fifth place finish at the 140 pound weight division. Buckman, who lost a very close match tot the eventual state finalist in his quarter final match, battled back hard to earn his fifth place finish. Heath Luttrell, in his first appearance at the state tournament, claimed fifth place honors at the 168 pound weight division. As a second year wrestler, Luttrell was consistently a strong performer for the Indians all season.
Zeke Escalara, Gideon Adams, Billy Zane Pride, and Rylan Ervin also competed for the Indians at the Middle School State tournament to help the Indians score valuable points on the way to a first place finish as a team. Coach Billy Ervin was proud of his team's efforts and is excited about the quality wrestlers in the elementary program that will be joining the middle school team next season.