Pirates’ Essig puts knowledge to good use, dominates third period of state title match

By Muddy River Sports | February 25, 2024
Hannibal's Tristan Essig gets his arm raised as the 132-pound state champion in Class 3 on Saturday night at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo. | Photo courtesy Lisa Rigdon, Cheap Seats Photography

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Tristen Essig’s familiarity with his opponent in Saturday night’s 132-pound championship match at the Class 3 state wrestling tournament gave him a blueprint for succes. “He knew I was going to be coming at him in neutral and pressuring forward,” Essig said of North Point’s Kaden Purler, who he had beaten twice…

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