Chris Upchurch
Whitfield
Wrestling
The senior wrestler completed a stellar high school career by winning the Class 1 state championship at 145 pounds at last weekend’s MSHSAA state championships in Columbia.
Upchurch defeated Dustin Schuetz of South Holt 8-2 in the finals to win his second consecutive individual state championship. Upchurch was the Class 1 state champion at 130 pounds in 2004 as a junior.
In the quarterfinals on Friday, Upchurch pinned Cole Miller of Knob Noster. He came back to edge Courtney Wheeler of Mid-Buchanan 3-1 in the semifinals.
By winning the state championship, Upchurch also finished his senior season with a 20-0 record. His success was even more remarkable this year because he missed half of the season while recovering from a broken hand. Upchurch did not participate in his first match until late January.
Upchurch was also a state qualifier as a sophomore, where he finished third in the 125-pound weight class.