High school wrestlers head to state

Members of the high school wrestling team pose for a group photo following their performance at this year's district tournament.

Following their domination of the mats during the regular season, the Mountain Home Tigers wrestling team will head to Pocatello on Thursday for this year's state tournament.

The Tigers had 15 wrestlers qualify for the state finals following this year's district tournament, which wrapped up on Saturday.

Those finishing first as district champions were Pierce Mederios in the 113-pound weight class, Andrew Thornburg in the 170 division and Taylor Ogaard at 220. This year marks the third consecutive district championship for Mederios.

Second-place honors went to Tyler Hardin in the 138 and Jose Ortiz at 285. Wrestlers that placed third were Gavin Hazell in the 98-pound weight class, Kanoa Doronio at 120, Dylan Park in the 138, Brad Keierleber at 145 and Jonathan Kaiser in the 285. Daniel Cruz finished fourth at 195.

Wrestlers who are at large for state championships are Dallas Mayhew, who finished fourth in the 120. At-large wrestlers that finished fifth at district were Gage Wilson at 98, Troy Elliott in the 126, Alex Castro at 145 and Tim Goodell in the 195.

"Our team battled at the district tournament, and I'm very proud of them," said coach Lynn Knudson. "We are taking fifteen to Pocatello with the intent of a state championship. Our guys can do it, but it means great performances from everyone."

Stat girls traveling with the team are Hannah Guyer, Paris Mederios and Savanah Davies.