By Cody Morris, Tailgate TV
The Butler Bears sent multiple wrestlers to the State Tournament this past weekend, where they were able to shine and represent Butler High School well. Preston Mallatt (132), Damian Alkire (138), Kellen Long (150), and Phineas Goertz were the athletes that would be taking the trip to Columbia for the Bears.
Mallatt, Alkire, and Long would each make it the quarterfinals where Mallatt would loose by decision (10-8), Alkire won by decision (15-3), and Long would win by pin.
In the end, Goertz would go 0-2 in the tournament, Mallatt would go 2-2, Long would claim a 3rd place finish, and Alkire would be a State Runner-Up with a 2nd place finish.
Alkire, who obviously had high hopes of bringing home a state title, wisely states, “Not what I planned for State but Jeremiah 29:11 teaches me that the plans I have are not always the best or right plans, for God has even greater plans for me in the future that I need not want. After losing my father this past year I really put this season and State Tournament towards Him because I believed it would fulfill the hole in my heart and the goals me and him set together of being a State Champion. The Lord taught me that I don’t need a State Championship for him and a State Championship won’t make the grief any easier. Only the Lord can fulfill the hole in my heart and give me the strength to overcome the grief I mistakenly thought being on top of a podium would fix. Philippians 4:13 shows me this. I ask you to learn from my mistake and give Jesus the chance to save you too. Back to work and more to come.”
Alkire finished his Junior campaign with a record of 36-5. The entire Butler Wrestling team is LOADED with youthful talent, as the team has zero seniors, and hopes to return all of these wrestlers next year!
We would like to congratulate all of the BHS Wrestlers on their season!
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. – Jeremiah 29:11
I can endure all these things through the power of the one who gives me strength. – Philippians 4:13
photos by Mallory Taylor
