After hard work and determination five FHN students on the wrestling team headed off to the state championship at Mizzou on Wednesday, Feb. 15. The matches began on Thursday at 2:30 pm. The five wrestlers from FHN attending state this year are Brendan Hatchel, Tyler Smith, Jason Shell, Harold Ritchie and Sam Stewart.

“I’m most looking forward to bringing home a gold medal this weekend,” senior Jason Shell said.

This is not the first time going to state for sophomore Tyler Smith and seniors Jason Shell and Harold Ritchie. However, this will be the last time Shell and Ritchie will be able to qualify. Ritchie has placed at state every year since his freshman year. As a freshman he placed 5th, as a sophomore he placed 6th and he placed 4th as a junior.

“I hope to be a state champ this weekend,” senior Harold Ritchie said. “Its been a lifelong goal for me and I’ve been working hard all season.”

By Taylor Bartram