PECULIAR — Ozark was able to welcome back Ruben Arvizu to the mat for Friday’s Class 4 District 3 opening two rounds, but the Tigers weren’t able to celebrate the return of Damien Moseley.
Arvizu and Moseley both suffered shoulder injuries at the Winnetonka Tournament a month ago and were idle for the COC Tournament and Ozark’s final two regular-season duals.
Moseley’s injury has ended his junior season and quest to three-peat as a District champion. The two-time State place winner finishes with a 27-4 record.
Arvizu made a successful comeback by winning both of his matches Friday, earning himself a semifinal berth at 215 pounds. Arvizu posted a pin in 2:47 in the first round and gained a 6-0 win in the second round.
Nixa's Curtis Glossip (27-8) wasn’t able to compete at 165, thus ending his sophomore season. He suffered an injury that forced him to forfeit his final match at the Rose Hill Invitational two weeks ago. Glossip was fifth at State at 144 a year ago.
Ozark has six semifinalists. Also winning two matches Friday were Logan Luder at 120, Keaton Hurst at 126, Caden Harrington at 132, Dayton Moison at 157 and Johnny Williams at 190.
Arvizu (28-10), Luder (33-12) and Moison (33-11) will be vying Saturday for top four finishes and their first trips to State.
Nixa’s four semifinalists include Jax Adams at 126, Aidan Ward at 138, Reed Wilson at 144 and Malachi Rider at 157.
Adams (26-15) are Wilson (30-11) are both freshmen.
