Winning the state wrestling tournament in the 145-pound bracket has led to two exciting opportunities for senior Darrell Melcher.
Melcher participated in the Small School (1A-4A) vs. Big School (5A-6A) All-Star Senior Classic Dual on March 16 at Salina South High School. He also plans to participate in the Senior National Tournament in Virginia Beach, Va., beginning March 26.
The Senior Classic, an annual wrestling clash, is a season-ending highlight that matches the top seniors from around Kansas. Melcher was defeated, 7-6, by Steve Miller, who was third in the state in the 6A class.
Melcher also will be traveling to Virginia Beach, Va. to participate in the national tournament. All wrestlers in Senior Nationals have qualified by finishing first or second in their state tournament at some time during their high school careers.
Melcher capped off a 35-1 senior campaign with a state championship and an overall record of 141-20.
Melcher feels that if he just goes out and wrestles his best, he’ll do well.
“I think I have a good chance of placing in the top eight to become an All-American,” Melcher said of his chances in Virginia..
Over 800 seniors from around the United States attended Nationals last year.