Bombers win title by half a point
Broken Arrow's Ferrell saves Midwest City
Bombers win title by half a point

By Matt Patterson

Published: February 24, 2008

Midwest City had an extra team member Saturday night at the 87th Annual Oklahoma High School Wrestling Championships, and he was from Broken Arrow.

The Tigers' Znick Ferrell beat Ponca City's Reno Redleaf in the 215-ound championship match 3-2, securing Midwest City's second consecutive Class 5A team title by a razor thin 80-79.5 margin over runner-up Ponca City.

Ferrell was mobbed by the Bombers after his match, just before team members hoisted their head coach, Jody Marple, on their shoulders.

"I love Znick Ferrell,” Midwest City 152-pounder Mark Meyer said. "He was the underdog and had to wrestle Redleaf who was the state champion last year. We just threw some Bomber Magic in there for him.”

Marple knew it would all come down to Redleaf vs. Ferrell if his team had a hope of winning. Midwest City 119-pounder Willie Gunter captured his third straight state championship by s major decision which also helped. Meyer won at 152 pounds and Drew Hill managed a runner-up finish at 140.

Had Gunter not picked up bonus points, Ponca City would be celebrating.

"We knew going in we were going to have to get bonus at Willie's weight,” Marple said. "Whenever Willie came up I told him you wrestle to win, you don't worry about getting the bonus, but he did anyway.”

The thrill was doubled for Meyer who battled all season to put himself into a position to win a championship.

"I didn't think we could win the team title,” he said. "I hoped we could, but I knew it would be hard. But I got mine and the team got theirs. I've never had a feeling like this.”

Gunter joins the three-Time champions club. He was far more emotional about the team title.

"It's my third time around so I know what I'm supposed to do,” Gunter said. "This one was sweet, but nothing can be as sweet as the first.”

Del City finished the tournament with state championships from Tyler Dorrell (112) and Mike Brady (145). Heavyweight Derrick Jackson made the finals, but lost to Muskogee's Stacy McGee by decision.

"I thought the two titles were great wins for our team,” Del City coach Ronnie James said. "I feel for Derek. If he won with bonus we win the state championship so there was a lot of pressure there.”

Norman's Joe Springfield (135) entered the tournament as a fourth seed, but fell in the finals to Jenks' Justin DeAngelis by decision. Norman North's Chad Wright (171) lost 5-2 in the finals to Sapulpa's Kyle Blevins.

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