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Three returning state medalists, along with four other returning starters, make the 2017-2018 McDonald County High School wrestling team a squad to be reckoned with this season. In addition to those seven, coach Josh Factor said the rest of the squad will give McDonald County an opportunity for its best team showing ever. "I would like to see our guys finish in the top 10 at the state tournament," Factor said. "Realistically, I see us getting five guys to state. I think that is doable. If we get three guys on the medal stand and get some of those guys to move up, I see no reason we shouldn't be in the top 10. We've never done that before." Leading the team will be the three returning state medalists in Oscar Ortiz, Jakob Gerow and Tinker Kinser. Ortiz was third at 106 pounds as a freshman, while Gerow was fifth at 120 pounds, his third state medal in three years. Kinser was sixth at 285 pounds. "The biggest thing I would say about Oscar is he is very coachable and prob- ably one of the hardest workers we have had in the wrestling program since I have been on staff," Factor said. "Seeing how much potential he showed as a freshman gives him a great opportunity for his high school career. He comes in this year as one of the favorites to win a state championship. He has a chance to be the school's first state champion if he continues to improve. "Jake has a lot of experience as a three- time state medalist. He is definitely capable of being a state champion. He has run across the kid from Kearney (three-time state champ) a couple of times. It's always a close match, but Jake hasn't beaten him yet. I know it is in the back of Jake's mind that he is that close to winning a state title. That kid is back 13103 KODIAK RD. • NEOSHO, MO 64850 "Building Self-esteem One Trophy at a time" BRUCE & KARLA BOATRIGHT - OWNERS TEAM APPAREL EMBROIDERY • Trophies • Plaques • Small Signs • Nameplates • Name Badges SCREENPRINTING • BANNERS 417-451-0677 10C McDonald County Press Thursday, November 30, 2017 W i n t e r S p o r t S p r e v i e W MCHS Wrestlers Aim For Historic Season Rick Peck SPECIAL TO MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS RICK PECK/SPECIAL TO MCDONALD COUNTY PRESS The 2017-2018 McDonald County High School wrestling team. SEE WRESTLING PAGE 11C