Badger wrestling duo will compete at state tournament

Smith, Lincoln advance to state meet

Mike Hackworth

(Updated: Thursday, March 04, 2010, 12:00 AM)

Two Yosemite High School wrestlers, heavyweight senior Dakota Smith in the 276-pound weight class, and sophomore Kyle Lincoln in the 171-pound weight class, have qualified for the California State Wrestling Championships.

The state wrestling championships will be held tomorrow and Saturday at Rabobank Arena in Bakersfield.

Smith placed sixth and Lincoln eighth Saturday at the Central Section Masters tournament held at Lemoore High School.

Lincoln's eighth place finish qualified him as an alternate to the state tournament, but last minute withdrawals made room for the Yosemite sophomore as well as a first round bye.

During the Masters tournament each of the Badger wrestlers experienced challenges and success while qualifying for the prestigious state competition.

Smith had a critical win during his consolation quarter-final match against Max Howard of Clovis, winning by a pinfall in the second period.

Lincoln had a convincing win over Joel Hernandez of Mendota, winning by major decision, 10-2.

Clovis High School won the team competition and is poised to make a run at the state title as well.

The Masters tournament featured the top local wrestlers from all divisions in the Central Section.

Each weight class has four Sierra-Sequoia divisional competitors and six from the Yosemite division.

Many of these competitors have wrestled more than 45 matches this season to reach their final milestone at the California State Championships.

"The Central Section will be well represented at Rabobank," said Kent Lincoln, Yosemite head wrestling coach.

"Many of the sections wrestlers are currently ranked among the top eight in California."

Smith is the first Yosemite High School heavyweight wrestler to qualify for the state championships.