Mark Kirk
After an incredible year with some spirited and entertaining competition, it’s time for the final battle between national powers Stillwater, Edmond North and Bixby to see who is going to claim the 2023 Class 6A state championship. In addition to the anticipation of an exciting team race that will keep everyone on the edge of their seats, all eyes will be on Stillwater’s Cael Hughes as he attempts to join a very elite group as an undefeated 4X state champion.
Stillwater crowned eight regional champions out of 10 finalists and will take 12 wrestlers to the State Tournament. Winner of the last two state championships, the front-line strength of the Pioneers will be hard to beat as they feature seven wrestlers who have combined to win 11 state titles and two runner-up finishes. Cael Hughes is a 3X state champion, Beric Jordan and AJ Heeg are 2X state champions, Sam Smith and JJ (Rogers) McComas are both 2X finalists and 2021 state champions, while Kael Voinovich and LaDarion Lockett won state titles last year. Add regional champion Aydan Thomas, returning state placer and undefeated regional champion Landyn Sommer and three other qualifiers and you have a team that is going to score a lot of points…
