COLUMBIA For a few minutes, ending a pair of nine-year droughts was within reach for the Blair Oaks Falcons.
It had been since 2014 when the Falcons last won a state trophy and had an individual state champion on the wrestling mat. But in the end, both streaks came up just barely out of reach.
Columbia Fulton boys wrestler Cole Blattner (106 pounds) finished a 50-0 flawless season with a win by decision (2-0) against Odessa s Brandon Scarborough in the Class 2 state championships Thursday at Mizzou Arena.
Blair Oaks coach Mike DeMilia wanted the Falcons to wrestle a tough schedule this season. Blair Oaks competed in duals against defending state champions like Mid-Buchanan and Pleasant Hill. The Falcons have matched up against several state-ranked individuals in multiple classes. It was all for one ultimate purpose: To be best prepared for the state tournament.
Fulton boys wrestling put in an excellent showing at the Class 2 District 2 tournament, finishing second out of 16 teams, while six of its wrestlers will be going to state after achieving at least a top-four placing Saturday at Mexico High School.