Emporia High had one Spartan wrestler take the podium at the 5A state tournament Saturday.
Senior Drew Baker placed 5th at 195 pounds. Baker advanced to the championship semifinals on day one with a win by fall in the opening round and a 6-4 win in the championship quarterfinals. In the championship semifinals, Baker lost by fall to Taylon Peters of Salina Central.
In the consolation semifinals, Baker lost by a score of 10-9 to Mason Thrash of McPherson. Baker would earn fifth place due to an injury default.
Baker says he is proud of his improvement over the past four years at Emporia High.
Emporia High took 9 wrestlers to the state tournament. Anthony Delgado finished the weekend with a record of 2-2 at 170 pounds. Four Spartans finished the weekend with a 1-2 record including Levi Buckridge at 126, Ethan Garate at 152, Isaac Huber at 160 and Whitney Hall at 220 pounds.
Dalton Leek, Brooks Sauder and Efren Palomares finished the weekend 0-2.
Coach Brooke Medrano says his team showed a lot of heart throughout the weekend.
As a team, Emporia High finished in 19th. Goddard was the 5A team state champion.
