350 Wrestlers expected for wrestling event

With eight youth wrestling matches going on at the same time, the SoBoCo High School gym might be the loudest spot in town on Saturday.

Southern Boone YMCA and the Eagles wrestling team will be host its first tournament with 350 wrestlers expected from Rolla to Moberly, including Jefferson City and Columbia.

According to coach Steve Wilmoth, the YMCA has relied on dozens of volunteers to help prepare for the tournament.

Youth wrestlers up to Middle School ages will compete at different weight divisions.

Funds raised at the tournament will go to help pay for future wrestling equipment, uniforms, entry fees and more.

“We could not do this without the hard work of a lot of volunteers in concessions, guys on the high school team and many others,” said YMCA’s Kip Bayte.The action begins at 8 a.m. Saturday morning and old wrestlers will wrap up the competition in the late afternoon.