Fulton Sun

COLUMBIA — Fulton’s Cody Pae, Zack McClure and John Kingsley have all moved within a match of wrestling for state titles.

The Hornets’ trio advanced to tonight’s state semifinals after securing Class 2 quarterfinal victories this morning in the 82nd MSHSAA Wrestling Championships at Mizzou Arena.

Pae (37-1), a junior, turned back Seneca senior Andy Wasson in a 9-2 decision at 126 pounds. Meanwhile, McClure (29-2) handed Cameron senior Adam McMain his first loss of the season with a 2-0 victory at 145 pounds.

Kingsley (31-7), a sophomore, edged Odessa senior Michael Boyd in a 2-1 decision at 170 pounds.

Sophomore Paul Books (34-9) — Fulton’s other remaining qualifier — scored a 9-2 decision over Cape Girardeau Notre Dame junior Trever Foltz at 182 pounds in second-round wrestlebacks this afternoon.

State semifinals matches and third-round wrestlebacks in all classes are scheduled to start at 6 tonight.