Elijah Sanders was looking to finish his high school wrestling career as a champion this week.

At press time, the Richmond senior was competing in the Class 2 state tournament at Columbia. He was among seven Spartans at state competition, including Karlee Gilbert, who was wrestling in the Class 1 girls tournament.

HOW THEY QUALIFIED

Gilbert qualified for state by placing fourth at Class 1 District 4 competition Feb. 9-10 at Kearney. Sanders qualified by winning the 165-pound title at the Class 2 District 4 Tournament, held Feb. 16-17 at Excelsior Springs. Per Missouri State High School Activities Association regulations, the top four finishers in each weight class at districts qualified.

Sanders, a four-time state qualifier and 2023 Class 1 state champion, capped his district title run by pinning St. Joseph Benton’s Kaden Lee in 1 minute, 57 seconds. “I could’ve … slowed down on my cradles and not rushed it so much – could’ve been a little cleaner,” Sanders said. “But overall, I’d say (my …