Palmyra’s Arch, Lorenson wrestle way into semifinals at state tournament

February 23, 2023 | By Matt Schuckman, Sports Editor

Palmyra senior Collin Arch, top, takes South Callaway's Ayden Munford to his back during the first period of their 150-pound match at the Class 1 state wrestling championships Wednesday in Columbia, Mo. | Photo courtesy Will Johnson

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Halfway home.

Palmyra senior wrestler Collin Arch took care of his first two matches at the Class 1 state championships at Mizzou Arena on Wednesday, pinning both of his opponents in less than 95 seconds and closing within two victories of a fourth consecutive state title.

Wrestling at 150 pounds, Arch opened the state tournament by sticking South Callaway’s Ayden Munford in 1 minute, 33 seconds. In the quarterfinals, Arch pinned St. Pius X wrestler Ethan Hunter in 53 seconds to improve to 50-1 this season.

Arch will face West Platte senior Peyson Chandler (38-9) in Thursday morning’s semifinals. The championship round is scheduled for a 5:45 p.m. start.

Palmyra freshman Luke Lawson is alive in the back draw at 106 pounds and needs one more victory to assure himself a top-six finish.

Lawson opened the state championships by pinning New Madrid Central’s Caleb Moore in 1:32 before losing to St. Pius X sophomore Andrew Garcia, getting pinned in 1:09. Lawson rebounded by scoring a 12-2 major decision over Valle Catholic’s Kaden Gegg.

Lawson (33-19) will face Adrian’s Carter Dumas (23-5) for a spot in the consolation semifinals.

Meanwhile, in the girls state tournament, Palmyra sophomore Elly Lorenson is a match away from wrestling for a state title.

In the 145-pound class, Lorenson opened with a pin of St. Clair’s Hannah Thacker in 4:25 and followed it with an injury default victory over Eldon’s Olivia Chapman. Lorenson (27-3) will face Polo’s Valerie Gabrielli in Thursday morning’s semifinals.