Guthrie qualifies three for state wrestling tournament

The Guthrie High School wrestling program will send three Jays to this week’s state tournament. In addition, Guthrie will have two alternates on standby.

The Jays competed in the 5A West regional in Duncan over the weekend.

Advancing to the Big House (State Fair Arena in Oklahoma City) on Friday morning for the Jays are Jake Carey, Caleb Nelson and Dean Madison.

Carey, a freshmen, will compete at 106 pounds as the four seed and will take on his opponent from Glenpool. With a win, Carey would then challenge top-seed, Cameron Steed (34-4), of Collinsville, in round one.

Nelson will make his third state tournament appearance to the Big House. The senior finished fifth at regionals to advance.

Nelson, at 132 pounds, will challenge his opponent from McAlester for the right to take on one-seed Cory Hicks (33-6), of Durant, in the first round.

Dean, a sophomore, is back in the state field following a fifth place regional finish.

Dean, at 145 pounds, faces his opponent from Lawton Ike for a chance to take on Durant’s top seed in Cody Hicks (32-3).

All three Bluejays face a do-or-die scenario in their opening match. However, with a win each wrestler would be guaranteed at least two more matches.

Spade Pool and Seth Sarasua finished sixth at regionals and will be alternates at the state meet. If a wrestler does not qualify, both Jays would be allow to participate.