MARION — The STC boys wrestling team placed 11th at the annual WaMaC conference meet on Saturday, Jan. 31. Traveling to Marion High School, the Trojans placed five of their nine wrestlers on the podium, which goes to the top-five athletes in each weight class.

The Trojans were led by fourth place finishes for both junior Eli Cruikshank (138 lbs.) and senior Marcus Bear (175 lbs.). Cruikshank found victories against Solon’s Michael Bigelow and Williamsburg’s Wyatt Donohoe on his way to fourth place. Bear’s day included beating Independence’s Cael Troutman and Benton’s Derek Roos, while pushing his season record to an impressive 29-8.

Earning fifth place finishes for STC were freshman Israel Zamarron-Acosta (126 lbs.), junior Manny Cervantes (215 lbs.), and sophomore Lakyr Peska (285 lbs.). Acosta (21-12), Cervantes (29-10), and Peska (25-11) now all stand at over 20 wins on the season.

Other wrestlers earning team-points for the Trojans included: sophomore Henri Martinez-Alvarado (8th place, 120 lbs.), sophomore Izak Schroeder (7th place, 132 lbs.), and senior Josh Strong (8th place, 190 lbs.). Freshman Jet Chyma competed at 144 lbs. for STC.

Up next for the Trojans is the postseason and the state qualifying meet. STC will compete at the Class 2A, District 2 meet on Saturday, Feb. 14. It will take place at Benton Community High School. The other schools at the Trojan’s site will be: Benton, Dike-New Hartford, Grinnell, Knoxville, Nevada, Solon and Wilton.