Johnny Williams hopes a lesson he learned on his way to the 190-pound championship at the COC Tournament on Saturday will serve him well in the post-season.
Williams picked up a 9-0 major decision victory versus Willard’s Izik Sims in the final round.
The Ozark senior was mindful to critique his performance and noted he will have to wrestle better to reach his goals.
“I was being kind of lazy,” Williams said. “The last body lock, I was relying on that and leaning back on it. I was trying to hit another throw, but the head and arm came open and I hit it (for a near fall). He moved into it and I got him down. It worked out. But, against better wrestlers at the State level, that's not going to work.”
Williams improved to 34-9.
“There have been some points this season where things haven't gone my way. But it's all been a learning experience,” he said. “You need to have losses to overcome. It's helped me get on my way toward a state title. I'm feeling good, strong and healthy.”
Ozark’s other champion was Caden Harrington at 132.
The Tigers’ Logan Luder (29-12) was second at 120, as was Dayton Moison (29-11) at 157. Teagon Patterson (22-13) was third at 138 and Talyn Van Horn (17-15) third at 144.
Ozark was minus starters Damien Mosley, Keaton Hurst and Ruben Arvizu due to injuries and illness.
