​Eagles send six to state, including three first-timers

by Michael Smith


Grain Valley senior Jace Worthington had one last chance to qualify for the state tournament.
Worthington had never competed in the state tournament before going into Saturday’s Class 4 District 4 Tournament at Fort Osage High School.

His brother, Jaden Worthington, qualified for the state tournament in 2019 and 2018 and Jace wanted to qualify for the state tournament before he graduated.

He had his chance when he took on North Kansas City junior Justin Patek in the consolation semifinals of the 175-pound bracket. It was the bubble match and the winner would qualify for the state tournament while the season would end for the loser.

Worthington grinded out a 4-1 win against Patek, punching his ticket to Columbia as he was one of six Eagles to qualify for the Missouri State High School Wrestling Championships beginning Friday at Mizzou Arena.

Worthington ended up taking fourth after he was pinned by Rockhurst junior Anthony Totta in the third-place bout.

“It’s pretty awesome, especially after seeing my brother setting a pretty high standard,” Jace said. “I am just happy I am able to somewhat follow that up.”

Jace said he often looks over at Jaden, who coaches him from the stands at times.

“When I am in a sticky situation, he motions to what I should do,” Jace said.

Freshman Sjoeren Aumua (144) has had a breakout 2023-24 campaign and he will compete at state for the first time next weekend. He cruised to a 13-1 major decision over Park Hill South’s Connor Jackson in the bubble match before falling 7-3 to Liberty North senior Dru Thomas in the third-place match.

“I am happy I get to go to state with the team and to be able to actually compete,” Aumua said. “I need the experience to go to state as a freshman.”

He admitted to having some nerves going into district but was able to overcome them.

“I feel like I was scared going into the matches,” Aumua said. “I just need a little more confidence in myself. I just need to get better at the end of the day. I felt like I was pretty good but there is plenty of room to improve.”

Junior Colston Parks (113) will get to join his brother Gavin at state for the first time as he took fourth  on Saturday. He pinned Northtown freshman Noah Perez in 40 seconds in the bubble match to keep his season alive.

He fell in the third-place match to Liberty sophomore Cade Dunn by fall.

“I am pretty excited,” Parks said. “I am glad I have made it. I came a long way. I can’t wait to see where I go at state.”

​Senior Gavin Parks (126) will be making his third trip to state as he took fourth at districts. Sophomore Zac Bleess (120) is going to go back to state for the seasons time. He made it to the finals before falling to two-time state champion Hunter Taylor of Liberty 15-4 and senior Justin Deweese will make his third appearance at the state tournament after finishing as the runner up in 165-pound weight division as he fell to Ruskin sophomore Logan Taylor 7-1 in the championship match.

From left, Grain Valley wrestlers Sjoeren Aumua, Gavin Parks, Zac Bleess, Justin Deweese, Colston Parks and Jace Worthington all qualified for the Class 4 Missouri State High School Wrestling Championships by finishing in the top 4 of the district tournament Saturday at Fort Osage High School. Photo credit: Michael Smith