Liberty North has been proficient in many sports through the years, but one of the school’s most recent accomplishments was sending a record breaking three students to Missouri state wrestling. While nobody took championships from North, the students got to experience new heights of their sport and be introduced to entirely new levels of competition.

“State was a very different feeling than average wrestling, different than the homemade stuff, there where a lot bigger crowds, and the nervousness was up a lot more,” Junior Eric White said.

White was one of the wrestlers that received 4^th at districts in his respective weight class, granting him a state spot.

“I think I personally did good, especially against the people I came up against. They had qualified for state the last few years and me, only wrestling since 8^th grade going up against them, did pretty good,” White said.

White had successfully defeated opponents in the districts tournament from Park Hill South, Raytown, St. Joe Central, and William Chrisman. At state, he was bested by the Holt Indian’s top seed, Connor Urevich.

“(State had) a very competitive atmosphere out there, and it’s a whole different level from here you know? They aren’t just doing stuff like duels; it’s a lot harder,” Senior Dakota Grizzle said.

Grizzle secured third place in his respective weight class at districts, beating opponents from Raytown and William Chrisman.

“I finished in the top 8, which pretty good for me because there were sixteen kids there, but I don’t think I did my best, being nervous got to me there,” Grizzle said.

Grizzle was able to defeat his first opponent from Waynesville, and was the only North wrestler to move on to day two. However, he was defeated on the second day, holding a spot in the top 8 in his weight class.

“(The best part was) probably the team bonding that we got to enjoy at the hotel and the fun we hand there” Senior Hunter Kellgren said.

Kellgren, the third North wrestler to make it from 4^th place at districts to Missouri State was successful in his district matches against Rockhurst and Park Hill opponents.

“As a whole, it was a new experience, next year will hopefully be better,” Kellgren said.

This year Liberty North wrestlers broke the past record of members sent to state, with this years group of three overshadowing 2013’s group of two.