Finishing near the top of the Mid-State Conference wrestling championships was going to be a tough assignment for any team in 2022. Competing shorthanded was akin to having an arm tied behind your back.
The Boone Central Cardinals, missing several key varsity competitors, battled as best they could Thursday at O’Neill. While well short of challenging the contenders, Boone finished a competitive and respectful fifth in the conference team standings, with a pair of weight class runners-up leading the way.
Battle Creek (203.5) edged host O’Neill (195.5) for the 2022 Mid-State team championship, followed by Pierce (168), Crofton-Bloomfield (154.5) and Boone Central (118).
Senior Ashton Schafer placed second at 170 pounds for the Cardinals and freshman Talan Stokes (113) also made a spirited run to the finals, finishing second.
“The Cardinals competed without four of our point scorers,” Card Coach Josh Majerus acknowledged. “This conference is very tough this year, with lots of good teams loaded with rated individuals. It’s a great test before district. I would compare it to a district tournament.
“Without a few of our guys, we knew going in it would be hard to get the team race. Healthy and full strength, we are close to the top of this (conference).
“It was fun. Talan made the finals and gets a second-place medal as a freshman. Good for him!”
Complete results in Print & Online editions of the Albion News/Boone County Tribune
