For the first time since 2018 and the fifth time in PHS history, senior Luis Ortiz (Keki) earned district champion for wrestling on Feb. 13 at Central. Three out of eight wrestlers placed in the top four. Along with Ortiz were freshman Aden Martinez and junior Levi Courtney. 

Martinez is the fifth freshman ever to make it out of districts. This was Levi’s first time medaling at districts after last year’s wrestling back semi loss to a Ste. Genevieve wrestler by one point. He placed third.

Sectionals took place on Feb. 25 at Ste. Genevieve. Ortiz placed first while Martinez placed fourth. Neither Martinez or Courtney will be moving on. This is Ortiz’s second time advancing to the state level. 

On Mar. 10 Ortiz left for state with the chances of gaining another history making title. The tournament took place in Independence, MO on the 11. After four matches, going two for two he placed 6th. Ortiz is only the second PHS wrestler to place at state.