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The Trenton Bulldog wrestling team wrapped up the Class 1 state tournament in Columbia last Wednesday and Thursday with a strong showing, highlighted by a fifth-place finish from freshman Ayden Ortega and a state championship performance from junior Jacob White. Five Bulldogs qualified for the state’s biggest stage, competing among the top 16 wrestlers in Missouri.

The Trenton Bulldog Wrestling team had five boys compete in the state wrestling tournament in Columbia last Wednesday and Thursday. There were lots of exciting matches throughout the two days and, as always, the Bulldogs didn’t disappoint. They gave it everything they had among the top 16 wrestlers in the state in Class 1.

At 106, freshman Ayden Ortega lost his first-round match by fall. Ortega came into the tournament believing he was one of the top wrestlers at 106, so the loss was a tough one. He knew he would have to fight back and win his next three matches to be in contention for a medal, and that’s exactly what he did. The mental toughness he showed while battling through the wrestlebacks was nothing short of impressive. He won several tough matches along the way — one in the final seconds, another by a 1-0 decision and another in sudden victory. Ortega finished the tournament with a 4-2 record and earned a fifth-place medal at 106 pounds. He closed his freshman season with a 33-16 record.

At 120, junior Jacob White is now a two-time state champion. White had some close matches on the first day, including a few tense moments in his opening match, but he once again found a way to win. In the quarterfinals, he earned a 10-8 victory in the final seconds to advance to the semifinals.

On Day 2, White looked his best. He recorded a fall in the semifinals over Centralia after wrestling a smart match to secure his spot in the state championship bout later that night. In the finals, he faced Connor Farmer of California, who had defeated him the previous week in the district finals. White did not let that loss affect his approach. He entered the match focused on scoring points and staying on offense throughout.

The match remained tight until midway through the third period when White held a three-point advantage. He then sealed the win with a takedown and four near-fall points to secure a 15-5 major decision. White finished the season 44-3 and claimed his second state title.

At 126, senior Cooper Houser made his second trip to Columbia with hopes of earning another state medal. He opened strong with a 15-5 major decision over his opponent from Principia. Houser suffered a tough quarterfinal loss but stayed alive with an 8-4 decision over his opponent from St. Pius X to reach the bubble round. The next morning, he dropped a 5-2 decision that ended his tournament.

Houser completed an outstanding career at THS. He is a two-time state qualifier and was a sixth-place state medalist last season. He finished his senior year with a 34-13 record and concluded his high school career at 118-67. He has been a strong team captain and leader for the past two years.

At 190, junior Jackson Bethards competed in his first state tournament. Following an impressive district performance, he faced two tough opponents in Columbia and dropped both matches by fall. Bethards showed significant improvement this season and will use the experience as motivation moving forward. He finished the year with a 20-24 record.

At 285, junior Peyton Baker also made his first trip to the state tournament. After losing his opening match, Baker responded with a pin in 51 seconds in his first wrestleback. He later fell by fall to an opponent from Palmyra. Baker, a first-year wrestler, made tremendous progress this season and will look to build on the experience as a senior. He finished his junior campaign with a 29-18 record.

“I am so proud of the way these boys represented the black and gold in Columbia.” Wrestling Coach Charlie Bacon said. “Wrestling is a sport with many highs and lows and the state tournament amplifies those feelings more than any other experience. As proud as I am of their accomplishments on the mat, I’m even more proud of how they conduct themselves off the mat. They are fine young men with high character and it’s been a pleasure watching them grow throughout the season.”