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Seckman’s Ruble makes the most out of his last wrestling meet with winning second title

Two-time state wrestling champ Ruble will play football at Southeast Missouri State
Seckman senior Cole Ruble

Seckman senior Cole Ruble

COLUMBIA, Mo. – After winning the Missouri Class 4 championship at 190 pounds on Saturday night, and claiming his second state title, Seckman senior Cole Ruble headed upstairs to meet his parents.

What was it like when he got to his mom and dad?

“Just crying,” Ruble said, “crying with each other. My mom was like, this is your last time at this state tournament and you finished it the way you wanted to finish it and that's all that matters.”

Ruble, who was one of the top quarterbacks in the Show-Me State the past few years, is headed to Southeast Missouri State after graduation to continue his football career as a running back.

That meant Saturday night’s Class 190-pound final was his last time on a wrestling mat, a fact he didn’t lose sight of during the two-day MSHSAA Wrestling Championships at Mizzou Arena.

“It’s definitely a different feeling knowing that this is my last time stepping on a mat ever, because I’m going to college to play football,” Ruble said. “Having this moment with my coaches and just winning state for the second time, it’s a bittersweet feeling that’s for sure.”

And to accomplish that feat, Ruble had to overcome a wrestler that had given him a lot of trouble this season – Lafayette (Wildwood) junior Andrew Wier.

“He beat me three times before the state finals,” Ruble said. “The second time I had a really good match with him and then just got tired. Honestly, that match is probably the best match I’ve wrestled all year.”

Ruble, who defeated Wier with a 6-5 decision, had a different mindset for the fourth meeting with the Lancers’ standout.

“My coach was like, you lost three times to him before this, you’re 0-0 against him right now,” Ruble said. “That’s what I was thinking about the whole match. I haven’t lost to this kid yet. … I was 0-0 going into that match. Definitely going out like that was the best way to go out for my high school career.”

Cole Ruble Seckman Missouri wrestling championships February 25 2023 Nate Latsch 15947
Cole Ruble Seckman Missouri wrestling championships February 25 2023 Nate Latsch 15948
Cole Ruble Seckman Missouri wrestling championships February 25 2023 Nate Latsch 15949
Cole Ruble Seckman Missouri wrestling championships February 25 2023 Nate Latsch 15950
Cole Ruble Seckman Missouri wrestling championships February 25 2023 Nate Latsch 15951

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