Quentin Saunders takes first in 6A KSHSAA State Wrestling Championships
15-year-old Quentin Saunders became the State Champion for the 170 weight class after winning a match against finalist Quincy Saddler (Manhattan).
When asked about how he felt facing Saddler after defeating Cade Lindsey, Saunders said, “I had more confidence.”
Saunders wasn’t nervous about going against senior wrestlers.
“I’ve been wrestling people older than me all my life. Two years ago, I would always wrestle college kids,” said Saunders.
Along with the pride the title gives Saunders, he has also gathered more fans in the sport of wrestling. Mr. Garinger can be seen walking the hallways in a ‘West High Wrestling’ hoodie.
In response to Saunders’s success, Coach Brown only had one thing to say: “This kid is going places.”
Next Season, Quentin Saunders plans to hold onto an undefeated record and define a legacy for himself.
_____________________*Original Story: 2/22/2019*____________________
Underdog Quentin Saunders upsets Cade Lindsey (Derby) in the 6A KSHSAA State Wrestling semifinals
Freshman Quentin Saunders is victorious after facing opponent Cade Lindsey (12, Derby) on Friday in the 2019 6A KSHSAA State Championship semifinals. After losing to Lindsey a week prior in the regional tournament Saunders snagged a close, sudden death overtime win.
The two met previously in Garden City during the semifinals of the regional tournament last Friday in which Saunders suffered a 5-1 loss, and losing his so-far undefeated record. Friday, however, Saunders came prepared. He defeated two opponents and was able to move onto the semifinals. During the highly anticipated match with Lindsey, Saunders redeemed himself.
The match itself was a nail-biter. Neither Saunders nor Lindsey scored a single point during the first period. In the second, Saunders escaped Lindsey’s grasp, which earned him a point. In the third, unfortunately for Saunders, he received a call for stalling; tying the match.
The first overtime round is sudden death. Whoever got the first point would win the match and compete in the finals. Before first overtime was over, Saunders managed to take Lindsey down in a scramble and score two points.
Saunders will now face Manhattan finalist Quincy Saddler in the 170 weight class. Saddler took second at regionals after losing to Lindsey in a 15-0 technical fall.
Along with Saunders’ state appearance, five other West High wrestlers qualified:
- Germany Washington-weight class 106
- Brandon Fiedler-weight class 145
- Samuel Rushin-weight class 160
- Jerome Ragin-weight class 182
- Mario Perez-weight class 220
Consolation will begin at 9:30am Saturday at Hartman Arena in Park City, with the Championship Finals being held later on in the day.
________________**Original Story: 2/22/2019**_________________
Best in the West: Quentin Saunders still has a chance
Last Friday, freshman Quentin Saunders lost his undefeated record in the semifinals of the KSHSAA 6A West Regionals Wrestling Tournament to senior Cade Lindsey of Derby High School.
Unfortunately, those excited for Saunders’ match with Lindsey during the finals at regionals were disappointed when the two met early.
However, Saunders pulled through, taking third place by pinning the previous fourth-best wrestler in the state, Joey Eddis, in thirty seconds.
Had Saunders lost to Eddis, he would have been placed on a different section of the bracket, avoiding a second early confrontation with Lindsey this Friday.
During his first match with Zack Leskovac, Saunders won by fall.
He then went up against Wes Damron, who had defeated Jacob Sims. In this match, Saunders came out on top, by decision.
Despite his previous loss to Lindsey, Saunders said, “I am going to beat Cade Lindsey.”
West High Students can only watch as Saunders prepares for the chance for redemption.