Stiles, Charles advance to quarterfinals at state wrestling tourney

Nevada Daily Mail

COLUMBIA--Five athletes from Nevada High School began competition at the MSHSAA Class 2 State Wrestling Championships at Mizzou Arena on Thursday.

At 113 pounds, Nevada junior Slade Stiles pinned Matt Kelly of Kirksville in 48 seconds in his first round bout. Stiles will next face Travis Jones of Ste. Geneveive in the quarterfinals.

Nevada senior Tanner Charles won his first round match at 126 in dominating fashion, pinning Tanner Jones of Ste. Geneveive in just 28 seconds.

Charles will take on Wardell Morgan of Berkley in the quarterfinals.

Both Stiles and Charles are two wins away from state title matches.

In the 132-pound bracket, Nevada sophomore Johnathon Ireland lost by fall to top-ranked Austin Roper of Kirksville in the first round. Ireland won his consolation round match by forfeit over Courtney Williams of Sumner.

Next, Zach Shepherd, competing at 145, lost his first round match to Brennan Johnson of Excelsior Springs by a 14-8 decision. In the consolation side, Shepherd won by fall against Brennen Dixson of Moberly to stay alive.

Competing at 195, Nevada senior Colby Smith lost his first round match by fall to John Orschein of Moberly. Smith stayed alive by winning a consolation bracket match by fall over Will Simpson of Excelsior Springs.

Look for more on the NHS wrestling team in our weekend edition.