Pickering claims the conference crown!

FZN Senior Cameron Pickering claimed the individual 182 lbs. title at last weekend's GAC wrestling tournament. The meet featured all 17 GAC schools from across the conference's three divisions. The victory for Pickering was his third straight, after having previously won individual titles at the Springfield (IL) Joe Bee Invitational and the Desmet Tournament. Pickering was a state qualifier two years ago for the Panthers before spending last season in New York state. He is currently 23 - 3 on the season.

In addition to Pickering, seven other Panther grapplers earned medals at the conference meet:

Ayden Daniels - 3rd 106 lbs.

Nathan Burns - 5th 113 lbs.

Teddy Hickey - 3rd 120 lbs.

Logan Prinster - 4th 132 lbs.

Jack Ederer - 2nd 145 lbs.

Derrick Buda-Smith - 5th 152 lbs.

Nate O'Neal - 2nd 195 lbs.

As a team the Panthers placed 4th. It was the highest team finish for FZN since the conference combined all the divisions back in 2013.

The Panthers will play host to Westminster this Wednesday (1/10) before heading to the St. Charles Invitational this Friday and Saturday (1/12 - 1/13). The meet with Westminster will be held at North Middle School and is set to begin at 5:00 pm. All North Middle students will be admitted free of charge.