Falcons advance nine to semifinals

The Blair Oaks Falcons advanced nine wrestlers to the semifinals Friday during the first round of the Class 1 District 2 Tournament.

"We all wrestled up to our seeds, so that was the good thing of it," Blair Oaks coach Tim Karsten said. "We just need to keep wrestling (today). Everybody is still alive."

Versailles and Centralia were tied for first with 50 team points after the opening day, while the Falcons are second with 48.5.

"Centralia has got some tough kids that are going to be hard to keep up with, but we're keeping up with them so far," Karsten said.

Those making the semifinals for Blair Oaks were Cole Kemna (103 pounds), Logan Mudd (119), Alex Adam (125), Brad Thomas (135), Eli Roberts (145), Brett Thomas (152), Craig Clark (160), Caleb Roberts (171) and Derek Otto (189). The Falcons' goal is getting 10 or more wrestlers to state and it's still within their reach.

"We're close," Karsten said. "We'll need a couple of breaks here and there in the wrestlebacks, but in the elimination round, anything can happen. "Hopefully, we can get everybody in the elimination round or in the finals," Karsten said. "We'll see what happens." The event continues today, starting at 10 a.m.

More on Frank Broyles
Photo Slideshow
Career timeline