Tolton wrestler aims for third straight state championship

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Tolton wrestler Brant Whitaker will go for his third straight state championship on Wednesday.

"It's definitely as good of a sendoff as I could possibly get," Whitaker said. "I'm super excited to go there and give it my all."

The senior is the No. 1 seed at 170 pounds for Class 1. Whitaker said he has pinned every one of his opponents this season, and he's averaging about 45 second per match.

"I'm beyond pumped," Whitaker said. "I can't wait to get in there and go wrestle."

Whitaker is 27-0 on the season, and he's currently on a 108-match win streak dating back to his sophomore year. During his four years in high school, he's accumulated 110 pins. His record is 155-6.

Whitaker started his high school career at Boonville High School. He placed second in state his freshman year before winning his first state championship as a sophomore with the Pirates. After moving over to Tolton, Whitaker won his second straight state championship last year as a junior.

Earlier this year, Whitaker signed to wrestle for NC State. The Wolfpack are currently ranked No. 7 in the nation.

This year's state championships will be held at Cable Dahmer Arena in Independence. Due to COVID-19 protocols, each class will compete on its own day.

"I think the No. 1 seed and coming in with a bye is very advantageous for me, and that'll definitely help with it being all in one day," Whitaker said. "I get a larger break. I'll be sailing through, hopefully, and getting some good guys and wrestle everybody - super excited to do it."

Here's the full schedule:

• Tuesday: Class 1 Girls
• Wednesday: Class 1 Boys
• Thursday: Class 2 Boys
• Friday: Class 3 Boys
• Saturday: Class 4 Boys

Tolton is also sending sophomore Justus Martin to state. He'll wrestle at 132 pounds.