Prep wrestlers compete at SEMO Conference meet

BONNE TERRE -- Jackson's 152-pound champion Cody Rouse was chosen the outstanding wrestler as he improved to 40-0 while leading the Indians to their 15th SEMO Conference Tournament title on Saturday.

A handful of local grapplers, led by Sikeston's two-time all-state heavyweight Joe Johnson, also medaled at the meet.

Johnson lost a 7-1 decision to Jackson's Dustin Fluegge in the heavyweight championship final. Fluegge's win avenged a loss by pin to Johnson in a dual meet last Thursday.

Two other Sikeston wrestlers, Dee Bizzell and Chris Northern, finished third.

Bizzell, a 103-pounder, won his third-place match on a technical fall over Aaron Wehner of Ste. Genevieve.

Northern pinned Park Hills Central's Jeff Bolin at the 4:13 mark to claim third in the 215-pound division.

Dexter's Eric Grimes placed fourth in the 152-pound class. He lost by pin to Randy Lurk of Ste. Genevieve in 2:53.

Cole Burch of New Madrid County Central also finished fourth.

Burch lost by pin at the 2:50 mark to Brandon Lindsey of Park Hills Central in the 125-pound division.