STANFORD – Clinton Junior High School wrestlers Brandon Carter and Alex Wheat placed among the top three in their weight class at the Stanford Olympia regional Saturday, qualifying for the IESA State Tournament in DeKalb this weekend.

Carter, a 145 lb. eighth grade wrestler finished second in the category behind Matoon’s Mitchel Godden and ahead of state placer Jesse Barnett of East Peoria Central.

He will begin state meet play in DeKalb with a first round match-up against Kody Goberville of Peotone. If he wins, Carter will take on Weslye Brown of Plano in the next round.

With his second place finish at sectional, Carter has continued his run of first or second place finishes. He has either won or been the runner up in every tournament this year.

Wheat, a seventh grade wrestler, finished third in the 112 lb. category. Wheat will join Mt. Zion’s Jake Morgan and Mahomet-Seymour’s Derek Grant as sectional wrestlers advancing to DeKalb.

Wheat will begin his quest for a state championship with a preliminary round match-up with McHenry’s Cody Patchett. If he wins, Burr Ridge Gower’s Nerijus Gincas awaits.

Carter and Wheat were two of five Clinton wrestlers to advance to the Individual sectionals. The other three Jr. Maroons competing in Stanford Saturday were Alex Clymer, Mason Witzke and Arthur Hill.

More information on Saturday’s sectional and a preview of this weekend’s state finals in DeKalb will appear in Friday’s newspaper.