Kansas Mat Update 2015-16

Mat Update Kansas

(From the publishers of Kansas Pregame)

Volume 7 | 2015-2016

w w w.kansaswrest ling.org

Kansas Mat Update, Volume 5

Join the KWCA, today!

The following letter is from Topeka Seaman wrestling coach Patrick Kelly, the president of the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association (KWCA). The KWCA continues to be a key partner in developing Kansas Mat Update and we encourage all coaches across the Sunflower State to join this great organization.

As I assume the position of KWCA President, one of my main areas of focus is to raise awareness of the organization and help to increase membership numbers.

Those that regularly attend the Hall of Fame awards recognition event have a sense of the importance of the KWCA in recognizing the accomplishments of wrestlers, coaches, and contributors in our state. The Battle of the Best All-Star dual is also a high-profile event that gives our top seniors a venue to showcase their skills while representing their school and classification.

Putting these events on, promoting development, and recommending change for the betterment of the sport are areas of focus of the KWCA. Gaining a stronger voice happens through a larger membership pool. Coaches at all levels of wrestling and supporters of our sport, please consider becoming member of the KWCA by filling out the registration form below and sending in payment.

In order to gain a stronger voice and have a greater impact on bringing ideas for change to our sport’s decision makers, we need to grow the KWCA membership base.

Preparations for next year’s fall clinic are already underway. The clinic weekend is going through a major facelift along with the facility hosting it.

The date of the event will be moving to October 7-9, 2016 from its former place at the end of the month. We will be partnering even stronger with the USAWKS organization.

We have had the event on the same weekend in the recent past, but will now be encouraging greater participation from both organizations at the sessions offered on Friday and Saturday. The National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) will also have a bigger presence next year as well.

I look forward to serving in the role of KWCA president, Coach Patrick Kelly, Seaman High School, Topeka

Mat Update Kansas

Welcome to year seven!

Welcome to the seventh annual issue of Kansas Mat Preview (now called Kansas Mat Update due to it’s release during the holiday break), the Sunflower State’s only wrestling magazine. We are proud to offer coverage of over 80 high school wrestling programs in the state of Kansas with coverage of returning wrestlers and a look at the team’s prospects for the 2015-16 season.

Wrestling is a family sport where athletes from youth all the way to the college level travel this great state in search of success on the mat. Kansas Mat Update is proud to cover Kansas wrestling and we appreciate your support of the advertisers who make this publication possible.

For more information on Kansas Mat Update, or to find your copy, visit the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association website, at kansaswrestling.org.

John Baetz Publisher

Bree McReynolds-Baetz Publisher

Co-owner of Sixteen 60 Publishing Co., including the Lincoln Sentinel and Chapman News-Times community newspapers, Kansas Pregame Football Magazine, Kansas Hardwood Basketball Magazine, and Kansas Mat Update.

Co-owner of Sixteen 60 Publishing Co., including the Lincoln Sentinel and Chapman News-Times community newspapers, Kansas Pregame Football Magazine, Kansas Hardwood Basketball Magazine, and Kansas Mat Update.

Joe Wachter

Graphic Designer

Kayla Kvacik Ad Design

Tyler Gier & Amber Potter Sponsorship Sales

KANSAS WRESTLING COACHES ASSOCIATION 2015-­‐16 Membership form (Membership September 1, 2016 – August 31, 2016)

Name: ____________________________________________

School/Club: _____________________________________

Address: __________________________________________

Phone: ____________________________________________

E-­‐mail: ____________________________________________

Check all that apply: College coach: Head _____ Assistant ______

Affiliation: NJCAA _____ NAIA ______ NCAA D2 _____

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Please enclose $45 check payable to KWCA -­‐REGISTRTION DEADLINE FOR 2015-­‐16 IS FEBRUARY 1, 2016-­‐

Send payment to KWCA and mail to: Doug Vander Linden KWCA Treasurer Burlington School District 200 South Sixth Street Burlington KS 66839

Contributing photographers: Everett Royer, ksportsimages.com Contributing writers: Kyle McCaskey, Melanie McGee, Conor Nicholl On the Cover: Photos by Everett Royer, ksportsimages.com Acknowledgements: With a project of this size and scope we can’t possibly thank all the people that have contributed, but a special thank you goes out to the coaches who help us secure team information and ensure Kansas Mat Update is a success. Thank you to the advertisers who made this possible without your support this publication would not be a reality. Thank you to former Lincoln head coach and current Beloit assistant Nate Naasz for his help preparing the questionnaire and promoting the publication. To all those involved with the completion of this publication in any way, thank you.

Mail inquiries to johnbaetz@gmail.com or Kansas Pregame, PO Box 186, Lincoln, KS 67455 Publication date: December 30, 2015 Can’t find a free copy - Visit kansaspregame.com to find a link to the digital edition.

Kansas Mat Update, Volume 7

Garden City eyeing a four-peat

will help solidify our lineup,” said Garden City coach Carlos Prieto.

Garden City will chase a feat no It is hard to find a flaw in other wrestling program has acGarden City’s pursuit of a quartet complished in the entire incarnaof titles, but if there is a number tion of the 6A class – except itself. that breathes air into the rest of The Buffaloes are eyeing a four- the class, it is this – the Buffaloes’ peat in the state’s highest classivictory margin was its thinnest fication. Since the inception of this past year of any of their three 6A in 1979, no team has won that championships. class’ championship four consecOlathe North was eight-and-autive times, save for Garden City half points behind the Buffaloes pulling that achievement off from in the team standings, and should 1990-93. bring enough talent across the The lineup has few weaknessboard to make a run at Garden es. Michael Prieto will seek to City once more. become a four-time individual “As a coaching staff, we look state champion, a moniker only forward to the task at hand and 32 wrestlers have reached in the trying to develop this team into state’s history. He entered this a contender,” said Olathe North year having accumulated 130 coach Josh Carroll. career victories. Joining him for Olathe North is devoid of its the Buffaloes are state runner-ups two undefeated state champions Kaj Perez, Jesse Nunez and Zeke from a year ago, Isaac Dulgarian Herrera, as well as two other state and Emilio Fowler. However, the placers and two qualifiers.

Eagles bring six state placers back “We return a great nucleus of into the rotation. kids and have other kids with Garden City and Olathe North plenty of varsity experience that were the aristocrats of 6A this past season, but several teams intend to

 by Kyle McCaskey For Kansas Mat Update

close that gap.

The closest a year ago was Dodge City, 38-and-a-half points behind runner-up Olathe North.

The Red Demons returned four wrestlers who placed third at state – Clay Weil, Devon Plaza, Tyler Garcia and Dylan Servis – though Servis is expected to miss the season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament in football.

“We have a really tough schedule – so our kids will not be intimidated as they step up to that varsity role full-time,” said Dodge City coach Lars Lueders. “I could see us having some state placewinners that no one really knows about.”

Derby is a constant in the Top 5 standings. The Panthers have state champions returning in Tanner Smith and Garrett Xanders, though like Dodge City’s Servis, Xanders is on the mend from an ACL tear.

“We are counting on guys like Garrett Xanders, Tanner Smith and Brandon Becker to help lead our young kids,” said Derby coach Bill Ross. “Our success will de-

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pend on good leadership and how well our new kids can adjust to high school-level wrestling.”

Manhattan was sixth at state. The Indians penciled in eight wrestlers who finished this past season with winning records, including 44-2 state champion Mason Wallace.

Blue Valley Northwest and Olathe Northwest hope to hunt down Olathe North as the top team in the Northeast.

“We have a strong senior class and have high expectations,” said Blue Valley Northwest coach Tim Serbousek.

Wichita South is on the rise behind state champions Dallas Wilson and Asiel Flores, but will need more grapplers to rise up to conquer ever-steady Wichita Northwest, three-time undefeated City League champions.

The Dodge City regional may be the toughest draw in the state, with five of the Top 8 teams from the KWCA preseason rankings in the mix – Garden City, Wichita Northwest, Derby, Wichita South and the host Red Demons.

6A RANKINGS TEAM RANKINGS

120 1. Kaj Perez – GC - 10 2. Devin Onwugbufor – WNW - 10 3. DeKhyale McFarland – OE - 12 4. Riley Alderman – ON - 11 5. Easton Schroeder – HC - 11 6. Asiel Flores – WS - 10

145 1. Mason Wallace – MH - 11 2. Terrell Garroway – ON - 10 3. Garrett Hurst – BV - 12 4. Curtis Near – GC - 10 5. Howard Johnson – DC - 12 6. Michael Aldrich – SME - 12

182 1. Alan Clothier – LAW - 12 2. Trenton Allen – DB - 12 3. Ryan Klepper – BVN - 12 4. Dustin Carstens – GE - 12 5. Antonio Perez – GC - 12 6. Zach Bowen – HC - 11

INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS

126 1. Tate Steele – LFS - 10 2. Devon Plaza – DC - 11 3. Gregory Bentley – HC - 12 4. Taylor Jokerst – ONW - 12 5. Hagen Kent – HUT - 12 6. Brandon Becker – DB – 10

152 1. Tanner Madl – BV - 12 2. Alec Castillo – GC - 12 3. Zephrey Killiam – MH - 11 4. Justin Onwugbufor – WNW - 12 5. Anthony Macaluso – ONW - 11 6. Alec Dubree – DB - 12

195 1. Noah Ornelas – WNW - 12 2. Zeke Herrera – GC - 11 3. Jose Montoya – SMW - 12 4. Chase Hartquist – ONW - 12 5. Shea Johnson – ON - 12 6. Abel Duran – HC - 11

106 1. Brian Gates – HUT - 10 2. Jace Koelzer – OS - 10 3. Jerad Habben – SMNW - 10 4. Joel Ostrom – DC – 9 5. Justin Amaro – WE - 11 6. Drake Taysom – GE - 10

132 1. Clay Weil – DC - 12 2. Shane Brock – WNW - 12 3. Devin Norris – MH - 11 4. Kavian Kalantari – ONW - 10 5. Triston Wills – DB - 9 6. Brycen Schroeder – HC - 9

160 1. Nick Jouret – OS – 10 2. Kevin Folsom – WNW - 12 3. Trent Miles – WR - 12 4. Tucker Wilson – LAW - 11 5. Garret Tierney – BVNW 6. Kaleb Brooks – ON - 12

220 1. Kasden Arehart – WS - 10 2. Andrew Sprague – GE - 12 3. Kevin Easterwood – OE - 12 4. Benny Hernandez – GC - 11 5. Blake Johnson – BVNW - 12 6. Dylan Jensen – 10 - HUT

113 1. Dallas Wilson – WS - 11 2. Jevon Parrish – ON - 10 3. John Fonseca – WW - 11 4. Boo Dryden – HC - 11 5. Max Bazan – JC - 10 6. Joe Braun – MH - 11

138 1. Michael Prieto – GC - 12 2. Jalin Harper – MH - 10 3. Tylor Garcia – DC - 11 4. Sam Elliott – BVNW - 12 5. Tanner Smith – DB - 12 6. Luke Bowen – HC - 9

170 1. Jesse Nunez – GC - 11 2. David Kelly – WW - 12 3. Lukas Schweigart – HUT - 12 4. Carlos Martinez – MH - 12 5. Braeden Ingold – WR - 11 6. Max Tierney – BVNW - 12

285 1. Chase Miller – ON - 12 2. Aaron Lozano – GC - 12 3. Eldon Picou – MH - 11 4. Nate Fowler – DB - 11 5. Jared Ross – WNW - 12 6. Jeremiah Napier – WS - 11

As of December 22, 2015

1. Garden City 2. Manhattan 3. Wichita Northwest 4. Olathe North 5. Dodge City 6. Wichita South 7. Derby 8. Haysville Campus 9. Blue Valley Northwest 10. Hutchinson

Ranking Coordinator: Eric Johnson, 913-484-3624

6A Class Rep: Kale Mann

Kansas Mat Update, Volume 7

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Ark City trying to play spoiler to Goddard

suffice if it intends to prevent Goddard from continuing its reign Two of 5A’s prestigious jugon top. gernauts are slated to clash for “Last year’s success showed this the state championship. Goddard group what was possible, and they is the odds-on favorite. Arkansas are focused (on) the future,” said City has a reputation for defying Goddard coach Brett Means. “The the odds. past is the past.”

It will take a nearly perfect effort Goddard can roll out 11 grapto knock Goddard off its throne. plers with state experience. GodWinners of six state titles in their dard’s lead lions are Kameron and history – with five coming since Kendall Frame, who both snared 2006 – the Lions wiped out the 5A their first state titles this past field this past season. season. Christian Bowen and Lane Goddard’s 201 points were gar- Glover also have experience in the gantuan compared to the competi- championship match, but neither tion. Lenexa-St. James Academy, has yet to pin down their first title. the runner-up, scored 148.

Ark City, while deep with Ark City, fourth a year ago, candidates to qualify and place, has written itself into the history will make its dent with high-end books of Kansas wrestling. talent. Senior Kendall Biddle (152 No program has more team state pounds) and sophomore Marcus championships than the Bulldogs’ Robinson (106) are coming off 20. Ark City strung together an trips to the top of the podium. almost unfathomable 11 consecu- Sophomore Jake Beeson stormed tive titles from 1988-98. through the backside of the Yet Ark City’s most recent title bracket for third at 126. was 2013, and nothing short of Of course, the championship dominant performances up-andpursuit is not a limited engagedown the state brackets will ment. A few darkhorses may

 by Kyle McCaskey For Kansas Mat Update

emerge, although among them, St. James is far from an unknown as a program. Clay Lautt returns as a state champion, while Stephen Tujague and Sammy Cokeley battled through the consolation bracket for third. However, two state champions from a year ago are gone to graduation.

“Losing three state placers, two of them champions, we have a lot of points to make up to place in the Top 3 at state again,” said St. James coach Mike Medina.

Shawnee-Mill Valley was third as a team. The Jaguars will lean on runner-ups Dylan Gowin (113) and Conner Ward (126). Mill Valley carries three other state placers into battle.

“We have three returning seniors that are great leaders on and off the mat,” said Mill Valley coach Travis Keal. “They also are very committed to the team to ensure a successful season for the Jaguars.”

Individually, Newton’s Logan Treaster will strive for a second consecutive championship after securing the 113 medal this past

season. Andover’s Paul Stuart (state champion) and Jack Maki (two-time placer) may be able to guide Andover into the Top 5.

“The Trojans are looking to build from a seventh-place finish at the state tournament (last year) with a young team,” said Andover coach Brett Fiene.

Two new faces enter the 5A fray, as Maize’s Brett Moon, an undefeated state champion in 6A a year ago, was shuffled down with school reclassifications. Coming up is Bonner Springs’ Tanner Hitchcock, a 4A champion at 113.

Goddard and Ark City will get a good look at each other at regionals, as both will try to qualify strength in numbers out of a challenging Andover regional.

Andover and Wichita-Kapaun Mt. Carmel are also in those pairings.

St. James and Mill Valley are set with Pittsburg in the Bonner Springs regional – all three teams were preseason Top 5.

Kyle McCaskey is a sports reporter for The Hutchinson News.

5A RANKINGS TEAM RANKINGS

120 1. Tanner Hitchcock – BS - 11 2. Will Spexarth – GD - 11 3. Mason Turner – SCH - 10 4. Drew Ernsdorff – SJA - 10 5. Brody Roberson – NEW - 11 6. Eric Vasquez – GB - 11

145 1. Kameron Frame – GD - 11 2. Jake Patterson – SH - 10 3. Ryan Delforge – VC - 12 4. Greg McClurg – LIB - 12 5. Allen Heberly – SS - 11 6. Konnor Dugan – BC - 12

182 1. Jacob Smith – TUR - 12 2. Cale Davidson – GD - 11 3. Seth Burnett – MV - 12 4. Kyle True – SLC - 12 5. Jake Harrington – LV - 12 6. Sam Weldon – VC - 11

INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS

126 1. Conner Ward – MV - 10 2. Christian Bowen – GD - 12 3. Adam Ayala – KMC - 10 4. Griffin Bossingham – AND - 12 5. Marty Verhaeghe – BVSW - 12 6. Sam Roy – BC - 12

152 1. Kendall Frame – GD - 11 2. Tyler Hensley – SJA - 11 3. Sam Wilson – KMC - 12 4. Anthony Delgado – EMP - 9 5. Josh Martinez – LIB - 11 6. Tyler Boone – VC - 10

195 1. Dylan Prince – PT - 11 2. Nick Nece – KMC - 12 3. Brett Yeagley – SH - 12 4. Jack Helvey – SLC - 12 5. Dejuan Scott – WH - 10 6. Victor Martinez – LIB - 12

106 1. Dawson Podlena – SEA - 11 2. Barrett Stickelman – SH – 10 3. Gabe Buckbee – ARK – 9 4. Michael Spangler – KMC - 10 5. Joseph Dennison – BVSW - 9 6. Bret Minor – STA - 9

132 1. Jake Beeson – ARK - 10 2. Paul Stuart – AND - 11 3. Cody Liles – GB - 12 4. Rylan Kasitz – MZS - 12 5. Collin Wallar – BS - 12 6. Wes Jameson – PT - 11

160 1. Kendall Biddle – ARK - 12 2. Sammy Cokeley – SJA - 11 3. Troy Fisher – GD - 9 4. Garrett Haskins – WH - 12 5. Hayden Koepke – MV - 10 6. Alex Hydock – MZ - 12

220 1. Kayne Hutchison – PT - 11 2. Michael McMullen – SLC - 12 3. Corey Atkins – GD - 12 4. Christian Diaz – NEW - 12 5. Shawn Dent – ARK - 12 6. Chris James – THP - 12

113 1. Logan Treaster – NEW - 11 2. Dylan Gowin – MV - 11 3. Marcus Robinson – ARK - 10 4. Carter Guyer – AND - 11 5. Jayson West – MZS - 10 6. Julian Falco – SLC - 9

138 1. Garrett Lange – GD - 10 2. Keaton Sander – GB - 11 3. Stephen Tujague – SJA - 12 4. Bryson Nuckles – ARK - 12 5. Jett Bendure – MV - 11 6. Chase Reynolds – SH - 10

170 1. Clay Lautt – SJA - 11 2. Brett Moon – MZ - 12 3. Dalton Peters – SLC - 12 4. Austin Andres – GD - 10 5. Christian Rivas – GB - 12 6. Kevin Mills – KMC - 10

285 1. Ian Hall – SEA - 12 2. Deveron Duncan – PT - 11 3. Tyler Shannon – ARK - 11 4. Tylen Wallace – SCH - 10 5. Khalil Austin – LS - 10 6. Alec Derritt – MV - 11

As of December 22, 2015

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Goddard Arkansas City Mill Valley St. James Academy Pittsburg Kapaun Mt. Carmel Shawnee Heights Salina Central Andover Great Bend

Ranking Coordinator: Eric Johnson, 913-484-3624

5A Class Rep: Brett Fiene

Kansas Mat Update, Volume 7

Baldwin looks to repeat as champs

of the underclassmen because of the type of young men that they By being crowned the 4A state are and because of what they wrestling champions for the first achieved in the classroom and on time in program history, Baldwin the wrestling mat.” joined the “haves” – the teams Conveniently, some of the that can point to a first-place programs most ravenous to usurp trophy when they discuss their the Bulldogs – Santa Fe Trail, El prestige.

Dorado, Basehor-Linwood, Pratt Baldwin ended Holton’s twoand Chanute chief among them year reign at the top that marked – are looking for their first state Holton’s first two titles. Three title, as well. years ago, it was Holton putting Santa Fe Trail will unleash a halt to the dynasty runs of Clay the trio of Ethan Dean, Bryce Center and Andale, who previErickson and Jake Hastings, ously captured seven of the past wrestlers that placed second, eight 4A titles. third and third, respectively at Baldwin wants one of those the state tourney a year ago. sustained runs for itself. The Basehor-Linwood brings the Bulldogs are capable. They are 126-pound champion, Jon Trowalso the early frontrunner. Baldbridge, and 120 pound runner-up, win sends six state qualifiers onto Corbin Nirschl. Pratt leans on its the mat this year, including four champion, Dylan Pelland, who placers. went unscathed on his way to a “Our senior and returning state 32-0 mark. Chanute, runner-up wrestlers will be the leadership in to Baldwin in the team standings our room this year,” said Baldwin last season, will count on 160 coach Kit Harris. “They know pound runner-up Brady Vogel. how to work hard and lead by State champion Reno Hughey example. They have the respect leads El Dorado into battle, with  by Kyle McCaskey The Hutch News

two other state placers and three state qualifiers along with him.

“With only losing one senior last year, I believe we will be right back in the mix and shoot for another Top 5 finish at state,” said El Dorado coach Wes Reynolds. “We have won regionals two out of the last three years and have averaged seventh place at state in that time, as well.”

Of course, the programs of the past have no intention of ceding any room for newcomers.

Colby has two state championships in the new millennium – 2001 and 2009 – and would be happy to make it a trifecta.

Colby’s Austin Hart won an individual title this past year with a 38-5 record. Abilene claimed titles in 1998, 1999 and 2003.

This past season, Abilene was edged out by Holton for third place by two points. Holton sends out state placers Justin Pool, Justin Rieschick and Tyler Price.

The classification also will get a shakeup from the addition of Andover Central. The Jaguars

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were state champions in 5A in 2011. Senior Dakota Rodd and sophomore Gunnar Gentzler look to make a quick impact in the drop down to 4A. KC-Sumner Academy senior Emmanuel Browne, Chapman senior Jason Zook and Mulvane junior Anthony Scantlin will seek to repeat as individual champions. The De Soto regional may be the deepest, with Baldwin, Sante Fe Trail, Holton and Basehor Linwood hopeful to squeeze wrestlers into the state brackets.

“We are excited and working hard to continue with our league, regional and state tournament success,” Harris said.

Rose Hill will also be taxing, with El Dorado, Andover Central and Pratt scratching for the regional team trophy.

Kyle McCaskey is a sports reporter for The Hutchinson News and a contributor to Kansas Pregame, Hardwood and Mat Update.

4A RANKINGS TEAM RANKINGS

120 1. Gunner Gentzler – 11 – ANDOVER CENT. 2. Tate Withington – 11 – GOODLAND 3. Tate Carney – 11 – COLBY 4. Brayan Baldarama – 10 – PRATT 5. TJ Hopper – 10 – BALDWIN 6. Reece Warren – 11 – WAMEGO

145 1. Justin Rieschick – 12 – HOLTON 2. Jon Trowbridge – 10 – BASE.-LINWOOD 3. Dakota Motter – 11 – EL DORADO 4. Trey Hoerner – 10 – ABILENE 5. Derek Bollinger – 10 – FORT SCOTT 6. Nick Lucas – 11 – PRATT

182 1. Curtis Rylant – 12 – CLEARWATER 2. Joel Katzer – 12 – BALDWIN 3. Chase Thrush – 10 – ROSE HILL 4. Austin Powell – 12 – EL DORADO 5. Alex Bejarano – 11 – BASE.-LINWOOD 6. Davon Spexarth – 11 – ANDALE

INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS

126 1. Emmanuel Browne – 12 – KC-SUMNER 2. Nick Ornelas – 11 – CHANUTE 3. Gad Huseman – 10 – TONGANOXIE 4. Austin Lustfield – 12 – SMOKY VALLEY 5. Bryce Ledford – 12 – WINFIELD 6. Levi Green – 11 – BALDWIN

152 1. Reno Hughey – 12 – EL DORADO 2. Anthony Scantlin – 11 – MULVANE 3. Tyler Price – 11 – HOLTON 4. Mario Rodriguez – 12 – ULYSSES 5. Hunter Mullin – 11 – CLAY CENTER 6. Brandon Mlekus – 11 – FRONTENAC

195 1. Ethan Dean – 12 – SANTA FE TRAIL 2. Anthony Capul – 11 – ANDALE 3. Jacob Stoneberger – 12 – CHAPMAN 4. Jaron Christiensen – 11 – ABILENE 5. Cody Curl – 12 – NICKERSON 6. Diego Maravilla – 12 – ULYSSES

106 1. Christian Davis – 10 – SANTA FE TRAIL 2. Tanner McGivney – 9 – ABILENE 3. Jake Patch – 10 – ANDOVER CENTRAL 4. Adam Whitson – 9 – BUHLER 5. Hunter Bindi – 9 – LOUISBURG 6. Kyle Sackett – 9 – ROSE HILL

132 1. Corbin Nirschl – 11 – BASE.-LINWOOD 2. Trevor Smith – 12 – WINFIELD 3.Zach Eck – 11 – ANDALE 4. Bryce Erickson – 11 – SANTA FE TRAIL 5.Case Pemberton – 12 – PRAIRIE VIEW 6.Austin Eldredge – 11 – MCPHERSON

160 1. Owen Tuckfield – 12 – BALDWIN 2. Brady Vogel – 12 – CHANUTE 3. Dakota Rodd – 12 – ANDOVER CENTRAL 4. Rob Winzer – 12 – AUGUSTA 5. Chance Rodriguez – 10 – HOLCOMB 6. Tanner Gastineau – 12 – GOODLAND

220 1. Austin Hart – 12 – COLBY 2. Jake Katzer – 12 – BALDWIN 3. Brayden Delzeit – 11 – HAYS 4. Mason Koechner – 11 – LOUISBURG 5. Gage Clark – 12 – CHANUTE 6. Nathan Vander Linden – 12 – BURL.

113 1. Dylan Pelland – 10 –PRATT 2. Zach Strait –10 – CONCORDIA 3. Noah Nemer – 10 – SPRING HILL 4. Trevor Casteel – 10 – ABILENE 5. Brett Bober – 9 – BURLINGTON 6. Dylan Bloom –12 – WAMEGO

138 1. Colby Johnson – 11 – BURLINGTON 2. Justin Pool – 12 – HOLTON 3. Pedro Ordonez – 11 – HUGOTON 4. Austin Hernandez – 12 – GOODLAND 5. Cameron Miller – 12 – CONCORDIA 6. Ben Morgenstern – 12 – BALDWIN

170 1. Bryce Arnberger – 12 – COLBY 2. Matt Triboletti – 12 – EL DORADO 3. Ryan Tiers – 11 – CLAY CENTER 4. Trey Isenhower – 11 – PRIARIE VIEW 5. Logan Baird –11– PRATT 6. Grant Schoonover – 12 – AND. CENTRAL

285 1. Jason Zook – 12 – CHAPMAN 2. Seth Stroble – 12 – INDEPENDENCE 3. Jake Hastings – 11 – SANTA FE TRAIL 4. Austin King – 11 – CIRCLE 5. Keenan Dodd – 12 – PARSONS 6. Anders Vance – 12 – LOUISBURG

As of December 15, 2015

1. Baldwin 2 . Santa Fe Trail 3 . El Dorado 3 . Colby 5 . Andover Central 6 . Holton 7 . Abilene T8 . Pratt T8. Basehor-Linwood 10. Chanute

4A Rankings Compiled By: Andy Albright, Kit Harris, Cullen Jackson, Matt Sims

Kansas Mat Update, Volume 7

Norton looks to continue its streak

 by Conor Nicholl For Kansas Mat Preview

Norton continued to have plenty of obstacles last winter. Two years ago, the Bluejays lost two all-state medalists to season-ending injuries but still won the 3-2-1A state tournament.

Last year, Norton 220-pounder Jacob Green, a returning third-place medalist, suffered a knee injury two weeks before regional and didn’t return. Skylar Johnson (113 pounds) was injured most of the year.

Norton trailed Hoisington and Rossville after Day 1 of the state tournament.

However, Norton’s waves of depth and talent yielded the Bluejays’ third straight state crown. The Bluejays finished with 118.5 points, 14 ahead of Hoisington. Rossville was third with 103 points. Norton won its eighth title in the last 12 years. It marked the first time coach Bill Johnson had won a state title without an individual winner.

“It was a total team effort,” Johnson said. “We have had five in the finals before, and didn’t win it. We have had a lot more finalists, but we had a more complete overall team.

We had not one particular standout that you can look at and say, ‘This kid will win it, or this kid will be in the finals.’ It was really sweet to do this as an overall team.”

Norton went 5-1 in the consolation semifinals and scored 43 Day 2 points to win. This winter, the Bluejays will look to win their fourth straight state championship, the first time they’ve accomplished the feat in school history. Norton returns 11 of 14 starters and six state medalists.

However, Green, one of the state’s top linemen, is expected to miss the year with a knee injury suffered in the football playoffs this fall.

Norton returns sophomore Ryan Johnson, the state runner-up at 106 pounds and his brother Skylar Johnson, the third-place finisher at 112 pounds last season. Ryan and Skylar are the two youngest of coach Johnson’s four children.

Seniors Mike Kasson and Lively

are back after third place showings at 152 and 182, respectively. Lively came through on the backside and clinched the championship with a 5-2 victory in the third place match.

Senior Jordan Dole was the fifthplace finisher at 195 pounds. Dole had a losing record as a sophomore and struggled early in his junior year before he won regionals and captured his first state medal. Junior 120-pounder Kade Unterseher and sophomore 285-pounder Collyn Auker are returning state qualifiers.

“We return a great group of seniors from last season,” Johnson said.

Hoisington graduated four-time state champion Brandon Ball. His brother, Jonathan, will miss the year with injury. Jonathan finished as state runner-up, along with the third Ball brother, Christopher. Hoisington returns seven state qualifiers.

Rossville is loaded again with elite talent after a second place team showing two years ago and a third place plaque last winter.

In mid-December, Norton, Rossville, Hoisington and Scott City were the top four teams in the coaches’ poll.

For Rossville, senior Alex Cavanaugh is ranked No. 1 at 120 pounds, while senior Isaac Luellen is No. 1 at 182 pounds. He is the defending state champion at the weight and went 21-0 last winter.

As well, junior Bryce Gfeller is third at 126, sophomore Isaiah Luellen is third at 152 and senior Kole Daveron stands fifth at 220 pounds.

Smith Center, with lone senior Cale Rogers, a two-time state medalist, could play a role, too. The Redmen return junior state champion David Hileman and fourth place finisher Colton Hutchinson, a sophomore.

Hileman, a great scrambler, trailed Wabaunsee’s Riley Tubbs in the 126-pound state title, but pinned him late. Junior Dalton Oliver, a former state qualifier, returns after he missed all of last year with a shoulder injury. At the higher weights, junior Kaden Meitler and sophomores

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photo by: Everett Royer Beloit’s Carter Wessling is looking for a state title at 138 after placing third last season.

Dalton Kuhn and Avery Hawkins are expected to contend as well.

Smith Center was tenth last season.

“Expectations for the outcome of this year are going to be very high,” coach Brock Hutchinson said.

Individually, Hoxie junior Tristan Porsch looks to continue one of the great careers in Kansas wrestling.

He has two state titles and one loss in two years and is the top-ranked wrestler in the 138 pound class.

Conor Nicholl is a sportswriter from western Kansas and contributor to Kansas Pregame and Mat Update.

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Kansas Mat Update, Volume 7

Page 5

Alma-Wabaunsee

Riley Tubbs nearly finished as a state champion at 126 pounds last year as just a freshman. Tubbs led then Smith Center sophomore David Hileman virtually the entire championship match, but with 40 seconds left Hileman was able to turn the tables on Tubbs and pin him sending the freshman home with a state runner-up finish.

The December 22 KWCA rankings have Hileman, a junior, ranked first, and Tubbs, now a sophomore, ranked second, seemingly on a collision course for a rematch at state later this winter.

Tubbs appeared up to the challenge in the early season with first place finishes at the Clay Center and Mission Valley Tournaments.

But Tubbs is not the only reason for excitement for the Chargers. Sophomore Kobly Droegemeier is ranked third at 145 pounds and was also a winner at the Mission Valley Tournament. He narrowly missed grabbing another early season championship when he fell by a 3-2 decision to Holton’s Justin Rieschick in the championship at the Clay

Center tourney.

The Chargers had four other wrestlers participate in the Clay Center Tournament in mid-December; freshman Sean Dugger went 0-3 at 120 pounds, freshman Taylor Hoffman went 0-2 at 152 pounds, junior Chandlor Polston went 2-3 at 160 pounds, and junior Ryan Rose went 1-1 at 285.

Drogemeir finished in sixth place at the 3-2-1A Tournament last year while Rose qualified at 285.

Wabaunsee will miss the loss of multiple time state qualifier and last year’s sixth place finisher at 170 pounds, Storm Johnson, who graduated.

The Chargers are currently ranked 10th in the 3-2-1A KWCA team rankings.

Class 3-2-1A / Mid-East League 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 State Placing: 14th Coach: N/A Assistants: N/A

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3-2-1A RANKINGS TEAM RANKINGS

120 1. Alex Cavanaugh-12-Rossville 2. Dayton Porsch-9-Hoxie 3. Tyler Kester-11-Southeast-Cherokee 4. Ryan Johnson-10-Norton 5. Dylon Niswonger-12-Leoti 6. Justin Skerce-12-Council Grove

145 1. Christopher Ball-10-Hoisington 2. Chase Prester-12-Russell 3. Kolby Droegemeier-10-Wabaunsee 4. T.J. Ragnoni-12-Bennington 5. Dalton Hensley-11-Ellis 6. Gable Howerton-10-Silver Lake

182 1. Isaac Luellen-12-Rossville 2. Gavin Lively-12-Norton 3. Matthew Cruickshank-10-St. Marys 4. Jacob Jenkins-11-Chaparral 5. Nick Ackerman-11-Marysville 6. Kody Collins-12-Doniphan West

INDIVIDUAL RANKINGS

126 1. David Hileman-11-Smith Center 2. Riley Tubbs-10-Wabaunsee 3. Bryce Gfeller-11-Rossville 4. Bryce Younger-10-Ellis 5. Trevor Compton-11-Jayhawk Linn 6. Colton Steele-11-Council Grove

152 1. Corey Tyler-12-St. Marys 2. Hunter Howerton-12-Silver Lake 3. Isaiah Luellen-10-Rossville 4. Tommy Truesdale-12-Riley Co. 5. Clay DeWaal-12-St. Francis 6. Corbin Schoenthaler-12-Trego Co.

195 1. Cooper Griffith-12-Scott City 2. Jordan Dole-12-Norton 3. Seth Fouts-11-Douglass 4. Adrian Gerber-10-Chaparral 5. Kirk Coomes-10-Phillipsburg 6. Patrick Shuler-12-Mission Valley

106 1. Jordan Priddy-10-Silver Lake 2. Ashten Dodson-10-Douglass 3. Cordon Rowley-11-Lyons 4. Christopher Gleason-10-Miss. Valley 5. Luke Richard-9-Riley Co. 6. Theron Tucker-9-Scott City

132 1. Chris Deters-12-Marysville 2. Hunter Ostertag-11-ACCHS 3. Colton Hutchinson-10-Sm. Center 4. Joey McFee-12-Rawlins Co. 5. Taylor Wilmarth-12-Wellsville 6. Trevor Lowell-11-Republic Co.

160 1. Kyler Mick-12-Bennington 2. Garret Dunlap-12-Doniphan West 3. Jayson Failer-12-St. Marys 4. Jacob Stryker-11-Marysville 5. Mike Kasson-12-Norton 6. Michael Waggoner-9-Riley Co.

220 1. Chris Cox-10-Oakley 2. Justin Bradley-11-Hoisington 3. Jonah Nowak-12-Garden Plain 4. Abel Alvarez-11-Salina Sacred Heart 5. Kole Davoren-12-Rossville 6. Dalton Kuhn-10-Smith Center

113 1. Skylar Johnson-12-Norton 2. Zachery Tucker-12-Scott City 3. Holden Butler-11-Council Grove 4. Zane Stanton-10-Caney Valley 5. Estin Slack-11-Oakley 6. Chris Goans-9-Lyons

138 1. Tristan Porsch-11-Hoxie 2. Carter Wessling-12-Beloit 3. Dalton Dultmeier-11-Silver Lake 4. Donivyn Will-11-Ell-Saline 5. Scott Resler-10-Riverside 6. Bryce Shults-11-Marion

170 1. Lucas McMichael-12-Cen.-Burden 2. Chuck Schmidt-12-Eureka 3. Bryson Wesley-12-Oberlin 4. Lane Moran-12-Bluestem 5. Shelton McCain-12-Rawlins Co. 6. Jacob Mintzmyer-11-Marysville

285 1. Mikel Cottenmyre-11-Republic Co. 2. Landen Urban-11-Hoisington 3. Collyn Auker-10-Norton 4. Jared Plante-12-Plainville 5. Donovan Lumpkin-12-Phillipsburg 6. Taye Washington-9-Hoxie

As of December 22, 2015

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Norton Rossville Hoisington Scott City Silver Lake Marysville St. Marys Smith Center Hoxie Wabaunsee

Ranking Coordinator: Wyatt Bechtel, wyatt_bechtel@yahoo.com

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Kansas Mat Update, Volume 7

Page 7

Altamont-Labette County

Sean Price has his work cut out for him. With only four wrestlers out for the Grizzlies at the end of last year, getting numbers in the wrestling room is the first step for the new Labette County head coach.

785-626-3141 “Having only four wrestlers finish the season last year, our biggest job is to get kids out and have them stick with it,” Price said prior to the season.

Dine-in or Carryout But the cupboard is not completely bare for Price.

Four wrestlers are participating in early season action including two key components in returning At Abilene the expectations for the season are state qualifier Alex Smith at 145 and Rogan Bruce always high, and this year is no different. A second at 152. The duo was joined by Michael Parker place finish at their home tournament just prior to (138) and Quiency Jones (182) at the Carl Junction the holidy break signals they could be on the right Classic in Missouri in mid-December. track for another top five team finish at the 4A state “Alex Smith and Rogan Bruce both had good tournament. The Cowboys finished just 13 points season’s last year and I expect them to lead us this out of first place behind a Salina Central team year,” Price said. currently ranked 8th in Class 5A. The Cowboys topped 4A’s second ranked team, Class 4A / Southeast Kansas League Santa Fe Trail, which finished in third at the tour2014-15 Dual Record: N/A ney, and 3-2-1A ranked teams Scott City and Silver 2014-15 State Placing: 53rd Lake, which finished fourth and fifth respectively at Coach: Sean Price the Abilene Invite.

Assistants: Eli Harper The Cowboys got championships from sophomore Returning weights: Trevor Casteel at 120, junior Cody Wuthnow at 145 – Alex Smith, state qualifier 126, Trey Hoerner at 152, a second place finish 152 – Rogan Bruce from sophomore Jaron Christiensen at 195, and third place finishes from Cole Whitehair at 113, John Baetz freshman Dakota Whiteley at 138, junior Dauson Whiteley at 145, and senior Kevin Wilson at 160.

With a relatively young roster, going forward the Cowboys could be prepped for a continued run of success, but Abilene will miss the loss multiple time state qualifiers Logan McDowell, Zane Baugh, Caysen Smith, and Seth Strauss, who all graduated last May.

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Atwood

Abilene

Class 4A / North Central Kansas League 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 State Placing: 4th Coach: James Stout Assistants: Corey Casteel, Nathan Howard

Andale

More veterans will give the Indians a consistent scoring presence up-and-down the lineup. Most of all, Andale will count on Zach Eck to provide points at nearly every meet. Eck compiled a 46-13 record over his first two seasons.

“This season we are bringing back a large and experienced junior class led by two-time state placer Zach Eck – fourth and third – and state qualifiers Jaryd Weber and Davon Spexarth,” said Andale coach Brad Lies.

Spexarth, a junior, lost his opening-round match but was able to score a major decision on the backside before being knocked out of state last year. Weber went two-and-out at state, but got his first taste of the bracket.

Andale’s 195-pounder, Anthony Capul, also gives the team a boost in the upper weight classes after recovering from an injury.

Andale slid to 21st as a team this past season, but the program is tradition rich. The Indians won back-to-back titles as recently as 2011 and 2012, and were third in 2013.

Class 4A / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division 4 2014-15 Dual Record: 2-4 2014-15 State Placing: 21st Coach: Brad Lies (8th year) Assistants: Ryan Kromer, Taylor Miller Returning weights: 106 – Chase Weber 113 – Jaryd Weber, state qualifier 132 – Zach Eck, two-time state placer 138 – Collin Pavlacka 160 – Grayson Clevenger 170 – Trevor Seiler 182 – Davon Spexarth, state qualifier 195 – Anthony Capul 220 – Darrell Cooley Kyle McCaskey

John Baetz

Atwood-Rawlins County

The Rawlins County Buffs entered the Christmas break with a head of steam after wrestling to a second place team finish at the Sutherland Invitational in Nebraska Saturday, December 19.

The Buffs got championships from sophomore Jaylen Kruep at 138 pounds and junior Cole Sramek at 145 pounds, runner-up finishes from senior Joey McFee at 132 pounds, senior Shelton McCain at 170 pounds, and senior Anthony Merida at 195 pounds, and third place finished from sophomore Colton Tiemeyer at 113 and junior Will Ginther at 220 pounds.

The Buffs enjoyed similar results in the second weekend of December when they finished second in the Limon Badger Invitational in Colorado. This time McCain came home with a championship at 170, McFee finished second at 132 and was joined

by Maverick Green who finished runner-up at 152, and Merida, who was second at 195. Sramek added a third place finish at 145 and Kruep was fourth at 138.

McFee and McCain are both returning state placers, with fourth place finishes at last year’s 3-2-1A Tournament. McFee at 126, and McCain at 160.

They currently are ranked fourth and fifth in their respective classifications.

The Buffs do miss the loss of Macrae Migchelbrink, the state runner-up at 132 pounds last year as a senior, and a three-time state placer.

Class 3-2-1A / Northwest Kansas League 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 State Placing: 9th Coach: Scott Urban Assistants: N/A John Baetz

Augusta

Augusta finished 14th in 4A, its third-straight Top 15 showing. Keeping that string of finishes going will be challenging with graduation cutting deep into the roster. Chief among them was Jake Goldenstein, a four-time state placer now wrestling at the University of Nebraska at Kearney.

“We lost several quality seniors last year. However, we should have a good number of young kids to fill the holes,” said Augusta coach Brandon Terry.

Senior Rob Winzer will be the mentor. A two-time state qualifier, Winzer collected his first medal with a sixth-place finish as a junior. Winzer hit the 30win mark for the season during the tournament.

Fellow senior Josh Moore is a two-time qualifier coming off a 28-win campaign. John George and Nigel Callison both qualified for state for the first time this past season.

Three other wrestlers with significant varsity experience help fill out the rest of the lineup.

Class 4A / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division 3 2014-15 Dual Record: 10-5 2014-15 State Placing: 14th Coach: Brandon Terry (10th year) Assistants: JD Hand, Chuck Bishop Returning weights: 113 – John George, state qualifier, So. 120 – Avin George, So. 138 – Josh Moore, two-time state qualifier, Sr. 145 – Nigel Callison, state qualifier, Sr. 160 – Rob Winzer, two-time state qualifier, onetime state placer, Sr. 182 – Scott Hooglugt, Sr. 195 – Cole Edwards, So. Kyle McCaskey

Baldwin

The Bulldogs return six state qualifiers from last year’s state champion squad, including four state placers. Seniors Jake Katzer, Joel Katzer, Ben Morgenstern and Owen Tuckfield all competed at last year’s state tournament, along with junior Levi Green and sophomore TJ Hopper.

“We return six wrestlers with state experience and we also have some young wrestlers ready to step in and fill voids from last year’s seniors,” said veteran coach Kit Harris.

Baldwin also welcomes seniors Alex Cigard and Wyatt Slavin, junior Justin Howard and sophomores Scott Harman and Griffin Wehrman back to the varsity lineup.

“Our senior and returning state wrestlers will be the leadership in our room this year,” Harris said. “They know how to work hard and lead by example. They have the respect of the underclassmen because of the type of young men they are and because of what they have achieved in the classroom and on the wrestling mat.

Class 4A / Frontier League 2014-15 Dual Record: 15-2 2014-15 State Placing: 1st Coach: Kit Harris (16th year; 18th overall) Assistants: Alan Callahan, Kip Clark, Nick Rockhold Returning weights: 120 - TJ Hopper, state qualifier, So. 126 – Levi Green, fourth at state, Jr. 132 – Griffin Wehrman, So. 138 – Ben Morgenstern, two-time state qualifier, Sr. 145 – Ethan Temple, So. 152 – Scott Harman, So. 160 – Owen Tuckfield, third at state, Sr. 170 – Wyatt Slavin, Sr. 182 – Justin Howard, Jr. 195 – Joel Katzer, sixth at state, Sr. 220 – Jake Katzer, fourth at state, Sr. 285 – Alex Cigard, Sr. Melanie McGee

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Anthony-Harper-Chaparral

Three state qualifiers will be depended upon to offset the loss of a state champion in Chaparral. The Roadrunners lost their heavyweight bookend, Jaden Helms, who moved along to join the Pittsburg State University football team after an undefeated state wrestling championship.

That puts the onus on Estin Overton, Parker Patterson and Jacob Jenkins. None of the three will be asked to make up all of the potential points lost from Helms, but each will be needed to steady Chaparral at tournaments.

Overton comes off a 29-victory campaign. He qualified for state at 152 pounds, but was unable to snag a win at the tournament. Patterson entered the state bracket at 160 pounds. His season ended with a 16-11 record.

Jenkins was able to score a pin-fall victory at the state tournament on the backside. Jenkins compiled a 28-9 mark. Jenkins is also a football star for Chaparral, coming off a 1,000-yard, 21-touchdown season as a junior for the 6-3 Roadrunners.

Sophomore Adrian Gerber has also made earlyseason waves for the Roadrunners at 195 pounds.

Class 3-2-1A / Central Plains League 2014-15 Dual Record: 11-3 2014-15 State Placing: 21st Coach: Jeff Green (2nd year) Assistants: N/A Returning weights: 152 – Estin Overton, state qualifier, Jr. 160 – Parker Patterson, state qualifier, Jr. 182 – Jacob Jenkins, state qualifier, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

Belleville-Republic County

After a third place finish at the 3-2-1A State Tournament as a sophomore, Republic County 285 pounder Mikel Cottenmyre is gunning for a state championship this season. Currently ranked first in the KWCA rankings, Cottenmyre narrowly missed at run at last year’s final when he lost in the second round to eventual champion Jaden Helms from Chaparral by one point, 4-3.

In spite of the loss, Cottenmyre rebounded to win matches over Jonah Nowak of Garden Plain, Lane Hayes from Scott City, and Ethan Gustus from Caney Valley before beating Jacob Leuthold of Sabetha 5-3 to capture third place. Cottenmyre needed a 3-1 decision over Nowak and a 3-1 decision over Gustus in overtime to get to the third place match.

Cottenmyre is not the only ranked wrestler for the Buffs after the pre-holiday break slate, fellow junior Trevor Lowell is currently the sixth ranked wrestler in the 132 pound class. Lowell was the fifth place finisher at 126 last year.

The Buffs posted a strong early season finish at the Onaga Invitational Tournament Dec. 12 with a third place plaque.

Sophomore Benaiah Rundus finished second at 126, Lowell was first at 132, junior Harlan Reed was fourth at 182, and junior Brett Stindt was fourth as 220 and Cottenmyre was first at 285, including a 5-1 win over Nowak, currently the third ranked wrestler at 220 pounds.

Class 3-2-1A / North Central Activities Association 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 State Placing: 23rd Coach: Adam Polansky (10th year) Assistants: Andy Gwennap, Joston Wassum John Baetz

Kansas Mat Update, Volume 7

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Beloit

Carter Wessling was part of the one of the biggest stories in wrestling last season, the 138-pound matchup between Hoisington’s Brandon Ball and Tribune-Greeley County’s Caleb Austin. Ball defeated Austin in the final seconds of the championship for his fourth straight title after Austin beat him in the regular season.

Wessling (35-4) finished third and wrestled well. He won his first state match, 6-2, and then his second match, 8-4. He fell to Austin, 6-2, in the semifinals before he dominated on the backside with a 14-8 victory and won his third place match in 2 minutes, 23 seconds. It marked his second straight third place finish at state.

This year, Wessling is again in a weight class with another standout; Hoxie junior Tristan Porsch, a two-time state champion. Wessling, ranked second behind Porsch, is one of Beloit’s team leaders.

Coach Andy Niemzyck, in his 30th season as head coach, said Wessling “hopes to win a title.”

Sophomore Blayne Harris was a state qualifier as a freshman, and Niemczyk said he should be a state placer this winter. Harris is ranked sixth at 113 pounds. Niemczyk believed the same for sophomore 120-pounder Caden Emmot.

“We are still going to be a young team but more experienced than last year,” Niemzyck said.

Bonner Springs

Junior Tanner Hitchcock is back to lead the Braves this season, and he will be looking to add a Class 5A title to his resumé. In 2015, Hitchcock went 31-4 and earned a Class 4A championship at 113 pounds as Bonner Springs finished 18th at state.

He begins the season ranked second in Class 5A. “Returning state champion Tanner Hitchcock will lead a young and talented group this season as we move up from 4A to 5A,” Braves coach Brandon Jobe said. “He trained hard through the spring and summer, competing at Junior duals and Fargo, so he’ll be ready to defend his title.”

Bonner Springs also returns state qualifiers Kolbe Seaton, Sean Singleton and Collin Wallar to provide team leadership.

Seaton is coming off a 27-9 season and a trip to the state tournament while Singleton finished 28-11 a year ago and Wallar was 21-7 as a junior.

“We had quite a few guys wrestling freestyle and Greco in the offseason, which always helps wrestlers jump to the next year,” Jobe said.

The Braves will look to punch their tickets to the state tournament at home as they are set to host a regional tournament.

Class 5A / Kaw Valley League 2014-15 Dual Record: 5-6 2014-15 State Placing: 18th Coach: Brandon Jobe (7th year) Assts.: Bobby Vaughan, Ian Seaton, Parker Ast Returning weights: 120 – Tanner Hitchcock, state champion, Jr. 132 – Collin Wallar, state qualifier, Sr. 152 – Kolbe Seaton, state qualifier, Sr. 195 – Sean Singleton, state qualifier, Jr. McGee

Class 3-2-1A / North Central Activities Association 2014-15 Dual Record: 6-8 2014-15 State Placing: 30th Coach: Andy Niemczyk (30th year, 34th overall) Assistants: Ryan Malay, Nate Naasz Returning weights: 113 – Blayne Harris, state qualifier, So. 120 – Caden Emmot, state qualifier, So. 138 – Carter Wessling, two-time state placer, Sr. 152 – Dustin Williams, Sr. A pair of state medalists return to lead Chapman 160 – Blaine Burks, So. this season. The Irish are coming off a 12th place Conor Nicholl finish in Class 4A and senior heavyweight Jason Zook is looking to win a second straight state championship.

“Jason Zook went undefeated last year even though he was out for most of the season with an Coach Jerod Rigdon has a pair of state qualifiers back to lead his first Caney Valley team, though two injury,” coach Jeff Sheets said. “Our expectations are high on him to repeat this year.” state placers were lost to graduation.

“We lost two state placers from last year,” Rigdon The Irish also welcome back third place finisher said. “They will be tough to replace. We will be very Jacob Stoneberger, a senior wrestling at 195. young throughout most weights. There will be some “Jake has been working hard to improve from last year’s third place finish,” Sheets said. “He went growing pains as younger kids will need to step into weights and make the transition to varsity-level 27-9 and is determined to be in the state finals this season.” competitions.”

Other returners for Chapman include seniors John Sophomore Zane Stanton finished fifth at 106 pounds as a freshman while senior Wyatt Anderson Gladden (182), Brett Lemon (152) and Dustin Lister (220), along with sophomores Colin Henderson is also a returning state qualifier.

(113), Erik Lemon (160) and Tye Paluso (126).

Stanton, who opens the season ranked fourth at 113 pounds, went 33-10 last season while Ander- “I am looking forward to this season, trying to build upon what we accomplished last year,” Sheets son compiled a 23-11 record.

“Zane will probably start the year at 113 and we will said. “I feel that we should have a pretty strong see if that weight suits him best,” Rigdon said. “Wy- team with two returning state placers and some att qualified for state last year at 195 and I expect talented wrestlers to fill up most of our weights.” him to be at the same weight this year.”

The Bullpups will host the Tri-Valley League tourna- Class 4A / North Central Kansas League ment in February, and they will compete in a Class 2014-15 Dual Record: 5-8 2014-15 State Placing: 12th 3A Regional at Marion.

Coach: Jeff Sheets (15th year) Assistants: Travis Elliott, Brian Sweet Class 3-2-1A / Tri-Valley League Returning weights: 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 113 – Colin Henderson, So. 2014-15 State Placing: 13th 126 – Tye Paluso, So. Coach: Jerod Rigdon (1st year) 152 – Brett Lemon, Sr. Assistants: N/A 160 – Erik Lemon, So. Returning weights: 182 – John Gladden, Sr. 113 – Zane Stanton, 5th at state, So. 195 – Jacob Stoneberger, 3rd at state, Sr. 195 – Wyatt Anderson, state qualifier, Sr. Melanie McGee 220 – Dustin Lister, Sr. 285 – Jason Zook, state champion, Sr. McGee

Chapman

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Brookville-Ell-Saline

Ell-Saline had long co-oped with Minneapolis in wrestling and produced one of the best wrestlers in the past decade in Tate Omli, a two-time state champion who went on to play college football at Northern Iowa, and is now an assistant coach for the Angelo State Rams football program in Texas.

This winter, the Cardinals have their own wrestling program for the first time. John Ludes is the head coach, while Terry King, the longtime football coach with four decades of coaching experience, is the assistant. Ludes serves as King’s defensive coordinator in the fall.

“We are starting our first season of wrestling at Ell-Saline,” Ludes said. “We do have a few kids with wrestling experience in school. Salina Central transfer Donavyn Will and freshman Nick Davenport will provide experience. We hope to get some younger kids to come out and participate.”

Class 3-2-1A / Heart of America 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 State Placing: N/A Coach: John Ludes Assistant: Terry King Returning weights: N/A

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Burlington

Eight varsity wrestlers are back in the lineup for Burlington this year, including two-time state medalist Colby Johnson. He finished third a year ago and fifth as a freshman and will wrestle at 138 pounds this season.

“We are very excited about the next step in this team’s journey,” veteran coach Doug Vander Linden said. “They’ve worked hard in the offseason and have the right attitude to take the next step.”

The Wildcats also return state qualifiers Nik Alfers, Connor Rychlec, Nathan Vander Linden and Thomas Yurko. Rychlec is a two-time qualifier now wrestling at 132 while Alfers will compete at 145 pounds during his junior season. Vander Linden (220) and Yurko (152) will look to end their careers at the state tournament.

“Colby leads the way with two state medals and a great work ethic,” said Vander Linden. “Nathan, Connor, Thomas and Nik are joining him with the work ethic and leadership to help lead this team in 2016.”

Sophomores Tyson Breshears, Jacob Jasper and T.J. Lang are also returning to the varsity lineup.

Class 4A / Tri-Valley League 2014-15 Dual Record: 22-9-1 Conor Nicholl 2014-15 State Placing: 20th Coach: Doug Vander Linden (25th year) Assistants: Rusty Emling, Tim Johnson Returning weights: 126 – Jacob Jasper, So. 132 – Connor Rychlec, two-time state qualifier, Jr. 138 – Colby Johnson, two-time state placer, Jr. 145 – Nik Alfers, state qualifier, Jr. Six state qualifiers are back in the lineup at Cher152 – Thomas Yurko, state qualifier, ryvale, and first-year Charger head coach James 182 – Tyson Breshears, So. Lickteig is excited about his team’s potential.

220 – Nathan Vander Linden, state qualifier, Sr. “Coming off a great season last year, we are Melanie McGee looking to build on our success,” he said. “With our 285 – T.J. Lang, So. leadership and work ethic, we feel our boys will be tough to beat.”

The Chargers welcome back three seniors – state After opening the 2014-15 season as the third qualifier Clay Holloway at 195, Josh Madl at 220 and Zach Yates at 170 – to lead the team this year. ranked team in 4A the Eagles finished in 8th place “Our seniors have big shoes to fill after the success in the team standings at the 4A state tournament. of last year’s senior Kaden Housel, but they are all The Eagles are ranked fourth in the current KWCA excited and ready for the challenge,” Lickteig said. 4A rankings and may be in better position for a top five finish at state this year thanks to the return of “We also look for big things out of our juniors as all but one state qualifier from a year ago, and three they all step-up as leaders.”

Cherryvale has four juniors who competed at state wrestlers ranked in the top three of their respective weight classes. in 2015 – Bo Edens, Micah King, Dakota Morrill Junior Tate Carney is currently the third ranked and Alex VanRooy – plus sophomore Colben wrester in the 120 pound class and was the third Dodson, who was a win away from medaling at place finisher at last year’s state tournament. Senior state last season.

Bryce Arneberger is the top-ranked wrestler at 170 pounds and finished in fifth place at last year’s state Class 3-2-1A / Tri-Valley League tourney. Austin Hart is the number one ranked wres2014-15 Dual Record: 9-3 tler at 220 pounds and is trying to defend his title 2014-15 State Placing: 22nd after winning the division at the 4A final a year ago.

Coach: James Lickteig (1st year) Other qualifiers from last season were Alex Young Assistant: James Renfro at 138 pounds, Brady Holzmeister at 145 pounds, Returning weights: Connor Edmundson at 182 pounds and Ethan Jay 106 – Eric Spencer at 285. All are seniors but Jay, a junior.

113 – Dalton Hestand-Vail 120 – Dakota Morrill, state qualifier, Jr.; Levi Barron Brett Schroeder was the only senior qualifier a year ago where he competed at 132 pounds.

126 – Micah King, state qualifier, Jr.; Darren The Eagles opened the pre-Christmas portion Dornan of their schedule in style with wins at their home 138 – Bo Edens, state qualifier, Jr. dual tournament and the Goodland Duals, and a 145 – Alex VanRooy, state qualifier, Jr.; Damien championship at the St. Francis Gabel/Jenkins Shufeldt Tournament where Tanner Elias (132), Arneberger 152 – Colben Dodson, state qualifier, So. (170), Brady Slinger (195), and Colyn Gugelman 160 – Dalton Schrimscher (285) captured titles.

170 – Zach Yates, Sr. 182 – Austin Schrimscher Class 4A / Great West Activites Conference 195 – Clay Holloway, state qualifier, Sr.; Christian 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A Thornton 2014-15 State Placing: 8th 220 – Josh Madl, Sr. Coach: Matt Sims 285 – Timmy Allison John Baetz Melanie McGee Assistants: N/A

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Concordia

A pair of state qualifiers are back to lead Concordia this season.

Sophomore Zach Strait, a state qualifier a year ago, started his 2015-16 season by sweeping matches at the Wamego Invitational with a 5-0 record. He also won the Hoisington tournament and takes a 15-2 record into 2016.

Senior Cameron Miller also qualified for state a year ago. He finished second at Wamego and compiled a 7-0 record at the Colby Eagle Invitational.

Junior Tracer Workman, now wrestling at 160 pounds, is off to a solid start to his junior season.

He finished second at Wamego and takes an 8-4 record into the new year.

Others on the Panther varsity include sophomore Blake Leiszler at 106, senior Brenton Edwards at 126, senior Logan Higbee at 170, senior Brent Beaumont at 220 and sophomore Austin Higbee at 285.

The Panthers are coached by Kevin Brown, Josh Brown and Tyler Hasenbank.

Their regular season schedule includes tournaments at Clearwater, Beloit, Concordia and Rose Hill.

Class 4A / North Central Activities Association 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 State Placing: 41st Coach: Kevin Brown Assistants: Josh Brown, Tyler Hasenbank Returning weights: 113 – Zach Strait, state qualifier, So. 138 – Cameron Miller, state qualifier, Sr. 160 – Tracer Workman, Jr. Melanie McGee

El Dorado

Reno Hughey, a longtime staple in El Dorado’s lineup, returns for his final season. This time around, he is defending a state championship.

Hughey scored an 8-7 triumph in the 145-pound finale against Chanute’s Adam Cole for the title. It was Hughey’s third time placing at state, but first championship. Hughey compiled 96 wins in his first three seasons.

Dacotta Motter hopes to follow the same path as Hughey. A junior, Motter has two 30-win seasons and two state placings to his name, including runner-up as a freshman.

“With only losing one senior last year, I believe we will be right back in the mix and shoot for another Top 5 finish at state,” said El Dorado coach Wesley Reynolds.

The Wildcats took fifth a season ago. Payton Sadowski, Matt Tribbileti, Austin Powell and Cameron Hunt also are back in the fold from state trips to bolster the Wildcats’ roster.

Class 4A / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division 3 2014-15 Dual Record: 6-10 2014-15 State Placing: 5th Coach: Wesley Reynolds (4th year) Assistants: Brad Demo, Bob Hall, Ryan Demel Returning weights: 106 – Payton Sadowski, state qualifier, So. 126 – Jack Thomas, Jr. 132 – Damien Conner, So. 138 – Mason Herman, sr.

145 – Dacotta Motter, two-time state placer, Jr. 152 – Reno Hughey, three-time state placer, state champion, Sr. 170 – Matt Tribbileti, state qualifier, Sr. 182 – Austin Powell, state placer, Sr. 195 – Cameron Hunt, state qualifier, So.

Council Grove

The Braves return three state qualifiers and coach Jay Doornbos expects all three to challenge for state medals this season.

“We are excited about our upcoming season. We should be very tough at our lower weights and much more competitive at the upper weights,” Doornbos said. “Although we will be young, our upperclassmen should be tough.”

Junior Holden Butler is a two-time state qualifier who is coming off a third-place finish at 106 pounds while junior Colton Steele was sixth a year ago.

Council Grove also returns three-time state qualifier Justin Skerce, who will wrestle at 120 pounds during his senior season.

“Holden, Justin and Colton should all contend for state medals this year,” Doornbos said. “Holden was disappointed in third place last year and we look for him to improve on his placing at state.”

The Braves also return senior Gregory Miranda, juniors Zach Graham and Travis Gyuran, and sophomores Brady Block, Kris Carson, Alvin Holmes and Mat Shade.

Class 3-2-1A / Flint Hills League 2014-15 Dual Record: 4-9 2014-15 State Placing: 16th Coach: Jay Doornbos (14th year) Assistants: Joe Buchanan, Tyler Lowe Returning weights: 113 – Holden Butler, two-time state qualifier, third at state (106), Jr. 120 – Justin Skerce, three-time state qualifier, Sr. 126 – Colton Steele, sixth at state, Jr. 132 – Travis Gyuran, Jr. 145 – Alvin Holmes, So. 160 – Kris Carson, So. 170 – Gregory Miranda, Sr. 195 – Mat Shade, So. 220 – Zach Graham, Jr. 285 – Brady Block, So. Melanie McGee

Ellsworth With only eight wrestlers, coach Clint Freeman doesn’t expect his team to do well in the few duals on the schedule but the Bearcats return a pair of state qualifiers and four other wrestlers with high school experience.

“What we lack in quantity, we will make up for in quality,” Freeman said. “There won’t be very many of us but I feel like we are going to have some pretty solid kids.”

Sophomore Zac Schneider and junior David Koralek III are coming off trips to the state tournament, while senior Ethan Haase was one match from making it to state at 195 pounds.

The Bearcats also return sophomore Darrell Gustin and heavyweights Chase Mueller and Kellen Smith.

“These guys were a good group to coach last season,” Freeman said. “They all know how to work hard and have a lot of fun.”

Class 3-2-1A / North Central Activities Association 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 State Placing: N/A Coach: Clint Freeman Assistants: Steve Thorburn, Clint Donley Returning weights: 132 – David Koralek III, state qualifier, Jr. 138 – Zac Schneider, state qualifier, So. 170 – Darrell Gustin, So. 195 – Ethan Haase, Sr. Melanie McGee

Derby

The streak continued for Derby in 2015. From the outside, its durability is impressive. For the Panthers, however, it is bittersweet. Derby has placed in the Top 4 in the team standings for eight consecutive seasons – but none have ended in first place.

“We are going to need some JV kids (to) step up from last year, and have some freshmen step up to go along with our previous state placers and qualifiers in order to be able to compete with the big boys,” said Derby coach Bill Ross.

Derby returns five state qualifiers, three placers and two champions, though the last statistic comes with a hitch. Senior Garrett Xanders, the champ at 152 pounds, tore his anterior cruciate ligament in football, and is in a slow race against the clock to return to the mat in time. Xanders won 30-or-more matches in each of his first three seasons.

Tanner Smith was a state champion in 2014 as a sophomore.

Class 6A / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division 1 2014-15 Dual Record: 14-3 2014-15 State Placing: 4th Coach: Bill Ross (15th year) Assistants: Mike Phillips, James Bilby, Kelly Heincker Returning weights: 126 – Brandon Becker, state placer, So. 138 – Tanner Smith, state placer, state champion, Sr. 152 – Garrett Xanders, three-time state placer, state champion, Sr. 170 – Trenton Allen, two-time state qualifier, Sr. 285 – Nate Fowler, two-time state qualifier, Jr.

Class 6A / Western Athletic Conference 2014-15 Dual Record: 12-3 2014-15 State Placing: 3rd Coach: Lars Lueders (8th year) Assistants: Jesse Trent, Brandon Vasquez, Dan Yoder, Kip Koehn Returning weights: 113 – Kenedy Escobedo, Jr. 120 – Devon Griego, Jr. 126 – Devon Plaza, third at state, Jr. 132 – Clay Weil, three-time state placer, Sr. 138 – Tylor Garcia, third at state, Jr. 145 – Howard Johnson, Sr. 160 – Nick Killion, two-time state qualifier, Sr. Kyle McCaskey 170 – Carlos Ruiz, Jr. 182 – Cole Trent, state qualifier, Sr. 195 – Ansony Quezada, So. 220 – Zerek Rodriguez, state qualifier, Sr. 285 – Osbaldo Mendez, Sr. Conor Nicholl

Emporia

Fredonia

Emporia undergoes a reconstruction, as Dustin Malone steps in as the program’s new coach.

Malone replaces Dennis Charbonneau, who left to become the athletic director at Wamego. Charbonneau spent the past five seasons at Emporia, and that span included a 2010 state championship and six individual titles.

A Homer Simpson-handful of state qualifiers will aid Malone in his first go-round.

“Our senior class is thin, but we will rely on them to lead the young guys and show them how Emporia works and performs on the mat,” Malone said.

Seniors Nick Kirmer and Damian Herrera are the constants. Kirmer has provided back-to-back 30-win seasons. After being ousted in the state semifinals, Kirmer made a run through consolation for fourth place. Herrera is a three-time qualifier, but has yet to place. After battling injuries this past season, he will look to finish in the top six now that he has his health under him.

Hunter and Isaac Williams both qualified as freshmen this past season, and will seek longer stays at the state tournament.

Though the Yellowjackets graduated eight seniors from last year’s squad, two state qualifiers are back for second-year head coach Aaron Haselwood.

“I think we will definitely surprise some people,” Haselwood said. “We have a great core of wrestlers returning that helped us win a regional championship last year. I am very excited to see what these young men and women can do on the mat this season.”

Three-time state qualifier Logan Sherman is back at 152 pounds after finishing fifth a year ago, and junior Devin Voth is also a returning state qualifier at 132 pounds.

Seniors Kaylee Grogan, Trevor Harvey, Lane Hawley, Jakob John, Nathan Nelson and Dakota Price are also back in the lineup, and they are joined by juniors Tanner Baker, Jacob Mrkwa, Kyler Pryor and Chris Reese.

“Our team is extremely blessed to have the group of seniors that we have this season,” Haselwood said.

“They all lead by example. They never complain and expect the most out of everyone in the room every single day.”

Class 5A / Centennial League 2014-15 Dual Record: 7-8 2014-15 State Placing: 6th Coach: Dustin Malone (1st year) Assistants: Scott Powers, Aaron Majia, Lucas Hockenbury Returning weights: 113 – Hunter Williams, state qualifier, So. 132 – Isaac Williams, state qualifier, So. 160 – Damian Herrera, three-time state qualifier, Sr. 195 – Nick Kirmer, two-time state qualifier, onetime state placer, Sr. Kyle McCaskey

Class 4A / Tri-Valley League 2014-15 Dual Record: 13-5 2014-15 State Placing: 32nd Coach: Aaron Haselwood (21st year) Assistant: Charl Hill Returning weights: 106 – Kyler Pryor, Jr. 132 – Devin Voth, state qualifier, Jr. 138 – Kaylee Grogan, Sr. 145 – Tanner Baker, Jr. 152 – Logan Sherman, fifth at state, Sr. 160 – Jakob John, Sr.; Steven Conrady, So. 170 – Sawyer Baker, So.; Dakota Price, Sr. 182 – Trevor Harvey, Sr.; Jacob Mrkwa, Jr. 195 – Lane Hawley, Sr. 220 – Nathan Nelson, Sr. 285 – Chris Reese, Jr. Melanie McGee

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Dodge City

Dodge City took third in Class 6A last season with 139 points, the program’s best finish since the mid-90s.

Brennan Tate, in his first time at state, won a crown at 285 pounds. He has graduated, and junior Dylan Servis (40-7) will not wrestle this season after he tore his ACL in football. Servis is a two-time state placer.

Coach Lars Lueders is pleased with a freshmen class that he labels “tough” and includes Joel Ostrom, Couy Weil and Marcos Fisher. As well, Dodge City has several new “everyday starters.”

“A lot of our kids have been a varsity wrestler at some point in their career,” Lueders said. “We have a really tough schedule - so our kids will not be intimidated as they step up to that varsity role full-time.

I could see us having some state placewinners that no one really knows about.”

Dodge City returns 90 state points, including four third-place winners. Clay Weil is a three-time state placer, including a state champion earlier in his career. Weil is 70-12 in the last two years.

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Page 10

Garden City

Garden City is the defending three-time Class 6A state champion. The Buffs did graduate three-time state champion Tevin Briscoe, but return plenty of talent.

The Buffs returns senior Michael Prieto, a threetime state champion. Prieto is 41-2, 44-2 and 45-3 in his first three years. Junior Jesse Nunez finished fifth at state as a sophomore and runner-up last year.

Garden City started the ’15-16 well, including third place at Ulysses with eight top-4 showings and third place at the Colby duals.

“We return a great nucleus of kids and have other kids with plenty of varsity experience that will help solidify our line-up,” coach Carlos Prieto said.

“Michael Prieto – I am biased as he is my son – but he has been the hardest worker in all my years that I have coached wrestling. He is a very coachable and goal oriented young man with great leadership qualities.”

Alec Castillo had injuries that kept him from the medal podium last year. Antonio Perez is also expected to step-up for the Buffs. Aaron Lozano gained varsity experience as a freshman and sophomore and collected a state medal last winter.

“Overall these seniors have had the opportunity to be on a team that has experienced great success and I look for them to lead this team to great things again this year,” coach Prieto said.

Class 6A / Western Athletic Conference 2014-15 Dual Record: 16-2 2014-15 State Placing: 1st Coach: Carlos Prieto (4th year) Assistants: Paul Lappin, Kevin Perez, Jacob Waller, Jon Baker Returning weights: 120 – Kaj Perez, state runner-up (106), So. 132 – Michael Prieto, three-time champion, Sr. 145 – Alec Castillo, state qualifier, Sr. 170 – Jesse Nunez, second at state, Jr. 182 – Antonio Perez, state qualifier, Sr. 195 – Zeke Herrera, second at state, Jr. 285 – Aaron Lozano, fifth at state, Sr. Nicholl

Garden Plain

Sophomore Mercedes Gassmann made history last winter. She became the first girl to win a Central Plains League title and entered regional with a 20-14 record. Gassmann has wrestled since age four and collected two national titles entering last year. Gassmann eventually went 2-2 at regionals and completed her freshman year with a 22-16 mark. She had a first round bye in the Fredonia regional and then lost 9-5. On the backside, she won by technical fall, but then fell a match short of state in a fall in 3:25.

Since then, she took first in several major girls’ tournaments, including the Kansas Girls Championship and Open and USAWKS Girls State. She finished fourth in girls’ folkstyle in a USAW tournament last March 29. This season, she opened with a victory at the Onaga Invitational and could have one of the best girls’ wrestling seasons in state annals.

Senior Jonah Nowak, ranked third at 220 pounds, leads an experienced group for the Owls. Nowak went 14-10 as a sophomore and qualified for state last season with a 26-10 record. He faced eventual state champion Jacob McCurdy of Lyons in the first round and lost in 4 minutes, 10 seconds. On the back side, Nowak collected a win by fall in 4:14 before he took a 3-1 loss.

“We have a really good core of wrestlers returning to build on the past couple seasons,” coach John Niehues said. “We have seen vast improvement all over our roster the last two seasons. Our numbers are going up and we are getting some competition in our wrestling room.”

Class 3-2-1A / Central Plains League 2014-15 Dual Record: 5-9 2014-15 State Placing: N/A Coach: John Niehues Assistants: Joe Gassmann Returning weights: 120 – Mercedes Gassmann, So. 138 – Jacob Helton, So. 145 – Jonny Becker, So. 152 – Connor Eastburn, So. 182 – Gabe Voth, Sr. 195 – Marty Landwehr, Jr. 285 – Jonah Nowak, state qualifier, Sr. Coach Nathan Broeckelman, a former standout Conor Nicholl Norton wrestler who re-started the Greeley County program three years ago, takes over at Great Bend.

The Panthers return 11 of 12 varsity wrestlers, including three state placers and two state qualifiers The Trojans return just one state qualifier, sophomore Zeb Turner at 120 pounds, but several from a 20th place finish at state a year ago.

Senior Cody Liles is a three-time state qualifier with other individuals are off to a good start this season.

Turner is looking for a second trip to the state back-to-back sixth place finishes. Keaton Sander and Christian Rivas have both reached state twice. tournament. He went 17-14 at 106 pounds last year and started his sophomore season by finishing sec“After a very good offseason of wrestling and ond at the Lincoln Round Robin with a 4-1 record weight lifting with the new coach, (I) look for the three returning state placers to climb up the podium at 120 pounds. along with many of their other teammates,” Broeck- Junior Abel Alvarez, a Salina Sacred Heart student, won his weight class at the Lincoln Round Robin elman said. “The Panther wrestling team will be heavy junior and senior loaded this year with Cody with a 5-0 record. He followed that by winning the Liles, Keaton Sander, and Christian Rivas leading 220-pound title at Minneapolis and improving to 9-0 in the process. the team through the year. Eric Vasquez will also Senior Jordan Schoen went 5-0 to win the be in the hunt for a medal being one round from 170-pound title at Lincoln while junior Austin Butler placing last season.”

Rivas wrestled at 160 last season and currently is picked up a pair of wins in the 138-pound bracket at Lincoln. the fourth ranked wrestler at 170 pounds.

Freshman Dylan Marks won the 195-pound title at Lincoln with a 3-1 record on the day and finished Class 5A / Western Athletic Conference fourth at Minneapolis.

2014-15 Dual Record: 4-10 Southeast of Saline’s January schedule includes 2014-15 State Placing: 20th Coach: Nathan Broeckelman (1st year, 4th overall) trips to Ellsworth, Halstead and Council Grove, and the Trojans will also compete at Remington Assistants: Mike Schridde, Jeremy Foster on Feb. 14.

Returning weights: 113 – Junior Sierra, state qualifier, Jr. Class 3-2-1A / North Central Activities Association 120 – Eric Vazquez, state qualifier, Jr. 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 126 – Braxton Schooler, So. 2014-15 State Placing: N/A 132 – Cody Liles, sixth place at state, Sr. Coach: Shaun Bruce 138 – Keaton Sander, sixth place at state, Sr. Assistants: N/A 152 – Ben Witte, Sr. Returning weights: 160 – Christian Rivas, sixth place at state, Sr. 120 – Zeb Turner, state qualifier, So. 170 – Jose Batres, Sr. 138 – Austin Butler, Jr. 182 – Andrew Reed, Sr. 220 – Abel Alvarez, a Sacred Heart student, Jr. 195 – Keegan Bowman, Sr. 285 – Jacob Barr, Sr. 220 – Sam Witte, Sr. Melanie McGee Conor Nicholl

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Goddard

A year ago, Goddard won the 5A state title by 53 points. Nearly the entire roster is restored this time around as the Lions are (nearly) locked and loaded to defend that title. A strong argument can be made that Goddard is the best team in the state.

“On paper, we look tough and everyone is excited about the opportunity that awaits,” said Goddard coach Brett Means. “As a team we must focus on out-working everyone else, making good choices and realize that no one cares how good we look on paper.”

The prime individual championship threats are the Frame twins, Kameron and Kendall, who each made their first ascent to the top of the podium this past year. Other notable veterans are Christian Bowen, a runner-up a year ago, and Lane Glover, runner-up two years ago, as well as third-place returners Will Spexarth and Cale Davidson.

Class 5A / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Division 2 2014-15 Dual Record: 22-0 2014-15 State Placing: 1st Coach: Brett Means (10th year) Assistants: Brian Means, Mitchell Means, Brent Fisher Returning weights: 106 – Gabriel Homes, Sr. 113 – Logan Pirl, state qualifier, So. 120 – Lane Glover, two-time state qualifier, onetime state placer, Jr. 126 – Will Spexarth, two-time state placer, Jr. 132 – Christian Bowen, state placer, Sr. 138 – Garrett Lange, state placer, So. 145 – Kameron Frame, two-time state placer, state champion, Jr. 152 – Kendall Frame, two-time state placer, state champion, Jr. 170 – Austin Andres, state placer, So. 182 – Cale Davidson, state placer, Jr. 195 – Dayton Driskill, state qualifier, Jr. 220 – Corey Atkins, state placer, Sr. McCaskey

Hays

Hays High graduated Ethan Deterding, who finished 38-4 and was runner-up at 182 pounds last winter. He was a three-time state placer, including 35-6 as a junior.

HHS had three other state qualifiers in 145-pounder Austin Dale (26-17 overall, 0-2 at state) and 170-pounder Tathan Burkhart (32-13, 2-2 at state).

Braydon Delzeit finished 31-16, including 1-2 at state, at 220 pounds. Burkhart also graduated, while Dale suffered an early season Achilles injury in the Colby Duals in December. In mid-December, Delzeit was ranked third at 220 pounds. He was off to a 12-2 start.

Hays High finished second at the Lincoln/Ellsworth Round Robin with 174 points, 6.5 points behind Chapman.

Chapman and Hays High were well ahead of Osborne, which had 98 points in third place.

HHS won four individual titles, including Delzeit, freshman 106-pounder Corey Hale, 126-pounder Nate LaPorte, and 145-pounder Conrad Vanjar.

HHS had just three seniors with three freshmen in the starting lineup.

Class 4A / Western Athletic Conference 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 State Placing: N/A Coach: John Hafliger (10th year) Assistants: N/A Returning weights 106 – Corey Hale, Fr. 113 – Esgar Cano, So. 120 – Tadin Flinn, So. 126 – Nathaniel LaPorte, Sr. 132 – Kyle Casper, Fr. 138 – Payton Garrison, So. 145 – Conrad Vajnar, Jr. 152 – Kreighton Myers, Fr. 170 – Austin Hayes, Sr. 195 – Cody Conger, Fr. 220 – Braydon Delzeit, Sr. 285 – Trey VanPelt, So. Conor Nicholl

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Goodland

Junior Tate Withington, a two-time state placer who went 40-6 last season, leads an experienced Goodland squad. He was ranked No. 2 at 120 pounds in mid-December.

Senior Austin Hernandez stands fourth at 138 pounds, while senior Tanner Gastineau was sixth at 160 pounds. Hernandez finished 26-9 last winter and is a three-time state qualifier. Gastineau, a twotime state qualifier, finished 25-15 last year.

“We return a strong group of varsity wrestlers that should provide leadership and improvement from last year with the experience the gained from the previous year,” coach Joe Sramek said. “We return a strong group of seniors that have had a lot of success over the years. They bring lot of experience that will help lead our younger kids to improve as the season progresses.”

Class 4A / Great West Activities Conference 2014-15 Dual Record: 16-9 2014-15 State Placing: 26th Coach: Joseph Sramek (10th year) Assistants: Jon Whisnant, Gary Winter Returning weights: 113 – Kasey Stramel, Jr. 120 – Tate Withington, two-time state placer, Jr. 126 – Tristen Cooper, state qualifier, Sr. 132 – Dawson Ensign, So. 138 – Austin Hernandez, three-time state qualifier, Sr. 145 – Simon Bassett, Jr. 160 – Tanner Gastineau, two-time state qualifier, Sr. 182 – Drew House, Sr. 195 – Cameron Gray, Jr. Conor Nicholl

Herington

Herington graduated its lone state qualifier from last season, and the Railers will rebuild with a young squad in 2015-16.

Senior Kameron Clark and junior Richard Haggerman are the veterans. Clark is wrestling at 145 pounds this season while Haggerman has competed at both 160 and 170.

Sophomores Trevor Jones, Theron Miller and Ethan Moorman-Maedor, along with freshmen Lucas Anschutz and Kenneth Crawford have also seen varsity action early this season. Miller is wrestling at 132 while Moorman-Maedor has competed at 152 and 160. Anschutz has wrestled at 170 and Jones is wrestling at 182.

Crawford won two matches at the Raider Invitational Dec. 5 in Wamego, while Moorman-Maedor picked up three wins at 160 pounds in Wamego.

The Railers will host a tournament Jan. 9, and they are also scheduled to compete at Halstead, Eureka and Chase County during the regular season.

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Hill City

Hill City returns both of its state qualifiers in 126-pound senior Devin Owen, and junior 138-pounder Gabe Hamel.

Owen finished sixth after a great backside run.

He lost 14-6 to Alma-Wabaunsee’s Riley Tubbs, the eventual runner-up, in the first round. On the backside, Owen won by fall in 96 seconds, a 10-4 decision, by fall in 89 seconds and then lost by fall in 3:38. In the fifth-place match, he fell 5-2.

Hamel went 28-14 but lost to four-time state champion Brandon Ball, 6-0, and then fell to eventual third-place finisher Carter Wessling of Beloit, 6-3, to get into the placing matches.

Owen was ranked fifth at 126 pounds in mid-December. He helped Hill City to a sixth place showing out of 10 teams in the Dec. 19 Mid-Continent League tournament.

Class 3-2-1A / Mid-Continent League 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 State Placing: 41st Coach: Steve Nickelson Assistants: N/A Returning weights: 113 – Alec Segarra, Fr. 120 – Ethan Hamel, So. 126 – Devin Owen, state placer, Sr. 132 – Garren Beckman, Sr. 138 – Logan Beydler, So. 152 – Gabe Hamel, state qualifier, Jr. 170 – Chase Holzmeister, Jr. 182 – Dajuen Chapman, Jr.

Page 11

Hoisington

Hoisington was led by the three Ball brothers last year; Brandon, Jonathan and Christopher. Brandon was a four-time state champion and Jonathan and Christopher finished runner-up. The Ball trio led Hoisington to a state runner-up showing behind Norton in 3-2-1A. Brandon is now wrestling at Fort Hays, and Jonathan will miss the year because of an injury. In spite of those losses, coach Dan Schmidt believes the Cardinals have the potential for another top-five finish.

In addition to Brandon and Jonathan, Hoisington graduated Landon Harmon (two-time state qualifier) and Chance Boor (a state placer).

Hoisington returns five state qualifiers and is ranked third in the team rankings behind Norton and Rossville. The Cardinals won the 3-2-1A Russell regional and had a school record 10 qualifiers to the state tournament last season. Hoisington had the first day lead at state last year with 86.5 points.

Hoisington is 36-0 in duals the last three seasons and had a fifth place showing at state two years ago.

“The team will have a small senior class but will return two varsity starters from last year in Austin McHenry and Kody Lang, both are outstanding,” coach Schmidt said. “The strength of the team will reside in its depth from 152 to 285 and its returning of seven state qualifiers.”

Class 3-2-1A / Central Kansas League Conor Nicholl 2014-15 Dual Record: 11-0 2014-15 State Placing: 2nd Coach: Dan Schmidt (19th year, 25th overall) Assistants: Anthony Leiker Returning weights: 126 – Tanner Cassity, sixth at state, So. 152 – Christopher Ball, state runner-up, So. 160 – Sean Urban, state qualifier, So. 182 – Hunter Hanzlick, state qualifier, Jr. 195 – Austin McHenry, state qualifier, Sr. 220 – Justin Bradley, state qualifier, Jr. 285 – Landen Urban, fifth place at state, Jr. Larned has a very young lineup with no returning Conor Nicholl seniors in the starting lineup.

Sophomore Hunter Fitzpatrick was one victory away from a class 4A state berth last season when he lost, 15-3, to El Dorado’s Payton Sadwosky in Free State had the luxury of writing in several the consolation semifinals at the regional tournaveteran wrestlers into its lineup to start the season. ment. Fitzpatrick finished 16-17 last year. As well, “We have been building our program to be state Marcus Nolde went 11-10, and Jalen Kraisinger contenders with our senior class ever since they was 18-14. Fitzpatrick will compete at either 113 or were freshmen,” said Free State coach Matt Gill120 pounds. man. “Excited for the new year!”

Larned also drops down to 3-2-1A this season. The Perhaps the biggest luxury for Gillman is the Indians have 14 wrestlers on the roster. projected points Tate Steele can provide. Steele “Larned’s line up will be young but experienced,” placed third at 106 pounds as a freshman, falling first-year coach Matt Sleder said. “We are loaded in the semifinals to Dallas Wilson, the eventual with sophomores and juniors with potential.” state champion from Wichita South. Steele left The Indians scored 41 points at the Pratt Tourna- no doubt that he was a perennial contender after ment in early December with Kris Nolde (106), scorching opponents with a 36-2 record. Steele Fitzpatrick (113), Marcus Nolde (126), Jordan Drim- bumped up three weight classes to 126 this year, mel (132), Kraisinger (138), Terron Dooley (170), and immediately asserted himself as a favorite to and Edgar Garcia (285) all wrestling in the season capture a championship. opening tourney.

“Tate Steele will be returning to finish what he started his first season in high school,” Gillman Class 3-2-1A / Central Kansas League said.

2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 State Placing: N/A Class 6A / Sunflower League Coach: Matt Sleder 2014-15 Dual Record: 8-1 Assistants: A.B. Stokes 2014-15 State Placing: 19th Returning weights: Coach: Matt Gillman (7th year) 113 – Hunter Fitzpatrick, So. Assistants: Roger Fincher, Adam Kruger 138 – Jalen Kraisinger, Jr. Returning weights: 145 – Austin Gladow, So. 113 – Bennett King, state qualifier, So. 170 – Terron Dooley, Jr. 120 – Cameron Shanks, state qualifier, Sr. 126 – Tate Steele, state placer, So. Conor Nicholl 132 – Isaiah Jacobs, state qualifier, Sr. 138 – Sid Miller, two-time state qualifier, Sr. 145 – Ben Hill, state qualifier, Jr. 152 – James Wensel, two-time state qualifier, Sr. 160 – Gage Foster, So. 195 – Sam Skwarlo, state placer, Sr. 220 – Nick Eddis, state qualifier, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

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Chance Rodriguez is ranked third at 152 pounds after he became the first state placer for Holcomb since 2012 last season. Rodriguez finished third last winter. He defeated Spring Hill’s Caleb Volkman, 12-4, in the third-place match.

Seven starters return for the Longhorns, including a quartet of seniors.

“We have a good mix of senior leadership and young talent,” coach Justin Stevens said. “It will not be difficult to improve on our prior team performances. With that said, I am very excited for this team and to see how far we can get.”

Stevens praised Rodriguez for his improvement in his second season of high school wrestling. “(Rodriguez’s) finish last season shows how hard he has worked since coming to the Holcomb Wrestling program. Chance is becoming a leader and is the perfect example of what we all want our student-athletes to be.”

Class 4A / Great West Activities Conference 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 State Placing: N/A Coach: Justin Stevens (4th year) Assistants: Joey Rodriguez, Jason Nichols Returning weights: 113 – Chris Chandler, So. 120 – Colton Flores, Jr. 138 – Joseph Erskin, Sr. 145 – Jesse Becerril, Sr. 152 – Reid Sater, Sr. 160 – Chance Rodriguez, third at state, So. 220 – Aaron Hernandez, Sr. Conor Nicholl

Lenexa-St. James

Hoxie

Hoxie junior Tristan Porsch has won back-to-back state titles and is halfway to, statistically, one of the best wrestling careers in Kansas annals. Porsch enters this fall at 79-1 with the only loss to Greeley County’s Caleb Austin when he wrestled up to 138 pounds at the midseason Panther Classic in Phillipsburg last season.

Porsch was the lone state qualifier for the Indians last season. Hoxie has three incoming freshmen this year with 120-pounder Dayton Porsch, 132-pounder Sam Bretz and 285-pounder Taye Washington.

Bryce Bacon didn’t reach state as a junior but took sixth as a sophomore.

The freshmen “join the team to combine with some experienced upperclassmen (and) we look for some good individual performances,” coach Mike Porsch said. “Bryce Bacon looks to get back on the state podium. Tristan Porsch looks to keep improving.”

Class 3-2-1A / Northwest Kansas League 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 State Placing: N/A Coach: Mike Porsch (9th year) Assistants: N/A Returning weights: 126 – Bryce Bacon, state placer in 2014, Sr. 138 – Tristan Porsch, two-time state champion, Jr. 220 – Alex Bishop, Sr. Conor Nicholl

Leon-Bluestem

St. James Academy must replace the masterful work of state champions Zak Hensley and Matt Pratt from its 5A runner-up team performance, but the Thunder have the horses to do it.

Clay Lautt will be asked to just hold steady – Lautt went 42-9 on his way to the 160-pound championship. Three of his victories along the way were by pinfall.

Senior Stephen Tujague is due for a title after finishing third at state his first three tries. Tyler Hensley and Sammy Cokeley are two-time state qualifiers who both placed at state a year ago.

“With another solid schedule by traveling to Allen, Texas; Kansas City Stampede, Garden City, Iowa City West, Gardner, Council Bluffs Wrestling Classic and seeing some of the best wrestlers in the nation, they should all be ready to go come the state series,” said St. James coach Mike Medina.

The Thunder have placed in the top three for three consecutive seasons. St. James was the state champion in 2014.

Bluestem’s Lane Moran will be a frontrunner to hunt down a state championship in his senior season.

Moran placed third this past season at 170 pounds.

His lone state loss came in the quarterfinals to Marysville’s Josh Nelsen, the eventual state champion. Moran finished the season 43-2. He was also a state qualifier as a sophomore, where he produced a 33-7 mark.

Bluestem’s other state placer from 2015, Casey Garner, graduated over the summer to leave a void at 138.

There are capable point producers throughout the Lions’ weight classes, including juniors Jace Brewer, Denton Douglas and Vince Fulghum.

“Bluestem overall will have a younger team with a few new faces that may find themselves battling in the state tournament this February,” said Bluestem coach Kelly Benton.

The Lions picked up 31 points at state in 2014, good for 18th place in 3-2-1A. Bluestem will compete in the Marion regional.

Class 5A / Independent 2014-15 Dual Record: 5-0 2014-15 State Placing: 2nd Coach: Mike Medina (11th year) Assistants: Dylan Schumacher, Jimmy Muehlberger, Nick Clayton Returning weights: 120 – Drew Ernsdorff, state qualifier, So. 126 – Jackson Ott 138 – Stephen Tujague, three-time state placer, Sr. 152 – Tyler Hensley, two-time state qualifier, onetime state placer, Sr. 160 – Sammy Cokeley, two-time state qualifier, one-time state placer, Jr. 182 – Clay Lautt, two-time state placer, state champion, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

Class 3-2-1A / Central Plains League 2014-15 Dual Record: 10-6 2014-15 State Placing: 18th Coach: Kelly Benton (5th year) Assistants: Wade McHone Returning weights: 132 – Jace Brewer, Jr. 145 – Coy Moran, So. 152 – Denton Douglas, Jr. 160 – Vince Fulghum, Jr. 170 – Lane Moran, two-time state qualifier, one-time state placer, Sr. 220 – Daylan Fell, So. Kyle McCaskey

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Liberal

Two stars in the middle weights lead a capable Liberal team eager to improve on a 16th-place performance at the 5A state tournament this past season.

Senior Greg McClurg is a two-time qualifier at 138 pounds. McClurg was one victory short of placing as a junior, finishing 2-2 at state. He wrapped his season with 36 victories. McClurg is one of the top ranked wrestlers in his class.

Junior Josh Martinez qualified this past season, capping his year with a 26-22 mark. Martinez has made strides this year, forcing his way into the state rankings at 152.

Liberal has three other qualifiers spread out across its weight divisions. Senior Adrian Orozco bumped up to 113 this season after qualifying at 106 and securing 32 wins. In the upper weights, Chris Boman and Victor Monarrez both reached the 30-win plateau a year ago and earned state berths.

Boman captured two wins at state.

Liberal will need a wrestler to step up to replace the production of Sergio Borjas. Borjas brought home a state championship at 285 for Liberal as a senior.

Class 5A / Western Athletic Conference 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 State Placing: 16th Coach: Kyle Molina Kyle McCaskey

Maize Maize will look to round out its roster around a trio of impact grapplers back from a squad that placed 11th in 6A. The Eagles will drop down to 5A this season.

Senior Brett Moon is coming off an undefeated, 47-0 campaign that ended with a 3-2 victory in the 160-pound final over Garden City’s Jesse Nunez.

Moon has surpassed the 40-win plateau in each of his first three seasons. He is a three-time state placer.

Fellow senior Alex Hydock is a uniquely talented wrestler who has ran into unique roadblocks at state the past two seasons. As a sophomore, he was knocked out in the semifinals by Wichita Northwest’s Dylan Beckner, the eventual state champion. A year later, Hydock was ousted in the quarterfinals by Derby’s Garrett Xanders – also the eventual champion.

“Hydock and Moon should have good years. Both seniors and leaders,” said Maize coach Mike Schauer.

Zac Grantham was a qualifier as a freshman at 106 pounds. Now a junior, he has bulked up to 132.

Lincoln

John Gardner and Tommy Knapp take over for long-time coach Nate Naasz who returned to coach and teach in his hometown of Beloit earlier this year.

The Leopards welcome back a couple veteran wrestlers and welcome several newcomers who look to help propel the Lincoln program forward.

Freshman Sam Huehl has been a welcome addition and has a couple of top three tournament finishes at 106 pounds already this season.

Junior 285 pounder Nathan Feldkamp has recorded a couple of wins already this season and continues to improve.

Sophomore Jonathan Ahring finished in third place in the 120 pound class at the December 18 Lincoln/ Ellsworth Round Robin Tournament.

Sophomore Owen Krueger joined the team in mid-December and finished in fifth place in the December 18 tournament, posting two wins.

Class 3-2-1A / Northern Plains League 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 State Placing: N/A Coach: John Gardner Assistants: Tommy Knapp

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Minneapolis Minneapolis continues the wrestling co-op with neighboring Bennington this season and returns several key pieces.

“We have a really solid line-up again this year. We have good returners and really good newcomers,” coach Chas Hauck said. “Our seniors and returning wrestlers bring a lot of great success from past years. They know how to lead the young guys in the room and on the mat. Should be an exciting year for our guys.”

Junior Austin Constable, from Minneapolis, is a two-time state qualifier. Kody Kind, Kyler Mick, and T.J. Ragnoni, from Bennington, are all three-time qualifiers.

Class 3-2-1A / North Central Activities Association 2014-15 Dual Record: 14-2 2014-15 State Placing: N/A Coach: Chas Hauck Assistants: Nick Johnson, Darcy Riley, Jerry Mick Returning weights: 126 – Austin Constable, state qualifier, Jr. 132 – Kody Kind, state qualifier, Sr. 145 – T.J. Ragnoni, state qualifier, Sr. 160 – Kyler Mick, third at state, Sr. 285 – Logan Robins, Sr. Conor Nicholl Class 5A / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Div. 1 2014-15 Dual Record: 4-12 2014-15 State Placing: 11th Coach: Mike Schauer (14th year) Assistants: Zac Hentzen, Tyler Cassity 116 South Fourth • P.O. Box 36 • Lincoln, Kansas 67455 Returning weights: Ph (785) 524-4466 • Fax (785) 524-5191 Email: metzlaw@nckcn.com 132 – Zac Grantham, state qualifier, Jr. 160 – Alex Hydock, state placer, Sr. Proud to support our 170 – Brett Moon, three-time state placer, state champion, Sr. area sports teams!

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State medalist Austin Lustfield returns to lead the Vikings this season. He is coming off a fifth-place finish at 120 pounds and moves up to 126 this season. Lustfield began his junior year by sweeping five matches at the Riley County Duals, then went 4-1 at Clay Center. He is currently ranked fourth in Class 4A at 126 pounds.

At 132 pounds, junior Noah Lackey took third at Clay Center and has a 6-4 record going into January. Junior Beck Elliott was third at Clay Center and second at Riley County. He is off to an 8-2 start at 170 pounds.

Allan Wampler was also a third-place finisher at Clay Center, and the junior heads into the holidays with a 9-1 record at 182 pounds. Five of those wins came at the Riley County Duals as Wampler swept his matches.

Freshman Ethan Wampler is off to a solid start to his high school career. The 220-pounder was second at both Clay Center and Riley County, and had a 7-3 record in December.

Freshman Denton Jacobsen also finished second at Riley County, compiling a 4-1 record at 106 pounds.

Louisburg

Four Wildcats teetered on the brink of pushing into the Top 6 of their weight class, and will take another shot at climbing onto the podium in Salina this year.

Louisburg 145-pounder Ryan Adams was the closest, winning two matches at 138 as a freshman.

He corralled 37 victories in his first season. Nathan Keegan, Mason Koechner and Anders Vance all went 1-2 at state for Louisburg.

“Three Wildcats had 30-plus win seasons in ‘14-‘15 (Adams, Keegan and Koechner), and several others were at or close to the 20-win mark,” said Louisburg coach Bobby Bovaird. “Season-ending injuries took away a couple of good kids last year, but I’m excited to have them back this year.”

Louisburg is getting an early boost from freshman Hunter Bindi, who is state-ranked at 106. The Wildcats are in the Columbus regional, one that looks open for the taking.

Class 4A / Frontier League 2014-15 Dual Record: 12-5 2014-15 State Placing: 31st Coach: Bobby Bovaird (5th year) Assistants: Robert Ebenstein, Andy Wright Returning weights: 113 – Thad Hendrix, So. Class 4A / Central Kansas League 120 – Nathan Keegan, state qualifier, Jr. 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 126 – Tucker Batten, So. 2014-15 State Placing: 7th 126 – Kyle Allen, So. Coach: Ben Elliott (10th year) 132 – Dylan Meyer, Jr. Assistants: Adam Lackey, Mike Sample 145 – David Bindi, Jr. Melanie McGee 145 – Ryan Adams, state qualifier, So. 152 – Zach Jones, Sr. 160 – Dillin Roberts, Sr. 220 – Mason Koechner, state qualifier, Jr. One of the coaching legends of Kansas high school wrestling starts a 38th overall season, and 220 – Bradley Trageser, Sr. 285 – Anders Vance, state qualifier, Sr. McCaskey he brings in tow what should be one of his most competitive rosters in years. Rick Langerot has amassed more than 300 dual wins in his career.

After starting his career at Fort Scott, Langerot has Norton has won three straight 3-2-1A state chamspent the past 27 years at Mulvane. pionships and has eight state titles in the last 12 “We have everyone back from last year,” Langerot years. The Bluejays have 11 of 14 starters returning, said. “If we are able to get everyone in the right including six returning state medalists and two other weight classes and the young improve throughout state qualifiers. the season, we should be very competitive this Four of the six returning state medalists are seniors. year.”

Norton will likely wrestle without junior Jacob Green, Two-time state placer Anthony Scantlin will vie for one of the top football players in Kansas, and a a second consecutive state title. He was a state third-place state finisher as a freshman. Green had runner-up as a freshman. Scantlin brought a 74-7 a knee injury two weeks prior to the regional tournacareer mark into this year. ment last year and suffered a knee injury in a state Senior Logan Elliott has won at least 30 matches playoff game this season. in each of the past two seasons, but has fallen just Norton trailed after Day 1 of the two-day state shy of placing at state. tournament and won a championship without a state titlist, the first time it’s occurred under coach Class 4A / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Div. 4 Bill Johnson.

2014-15 Dual Record: 10-7 “We return a great group of seniors from last 2014-15 State Placing: 17th season,” Johnson said. “…Most people do not Coach: Rick Langerot (27th year) remember, we were not at full strength during the Assistants: Jesse Myers, Kyle McClellan, Dave State Tournament in 2015.”

Fennewald Norton is ranked No. 1 again by the team standings.

Returning weights: Senior Skylar Johnson is ranked No. 1 at 113 106 – Blake Moberg, So. pounds, while sophomore Ryan Johnson is fourth at 113 – Uriah Pollard, Jr. 120 pounds. Senior Gavin Lively is ranked second 120 – Josh Moses, So. at 182 pounds, while senior Jordan Dole is ranked 132 – Jeff Houser, Jr. second at 195 pounds. Sophomore Collyn Auker is 138 – Bryce Parker, Jr. ranked third at 285 pounds.

145 – Anthony Scantlin, two-time state placer, state champion, Jr. Class 3-2-1A / Mid-Continent League 152 – Brent Cusick, state qualifier, Sr. 2014-15 Dual Record: 8-2 160 – Sean Benefiel, Sr. 2014-15 State Placing: 1st 170 – Logan Elliott, two-time state qualifier, Sr. Coach: Bill Johnson (25th year, 27th overall) 182 – Kyle Dillon, Sr. Assistants: Shane Miller, Tony Fiscus, Eric Johnson 195 – Dylan Jorns, state qualifier, Jr. Returning weights: 220 – Evan McElravy, Sr. 113 – Skylar Johnson, third at state, Sr. 285 – Layne Becker, Jr. Kyle McCaskey 120 – Ryan Johnson, state runner-up (106), So. 132 – Trenton Wright, Jr. 138 – Weston Erbert, state qualifier, Sr. 160 – Mike Kasson, third place at state, Sr. 182 – Gavin Lively, third place at state, Sr. 195 – Jordan Dole, fifth place at state, Sr. 285 – Collyn Auker, state qualifier, So. Conor Nicholl

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Oakley tied Marysville for 11th place with 44 points in 3-2-1A last season.

Oakley took third in the 2015 Mid-Continent League tournament with 145 points, just four behind runnerup Smith Center. Norton won the competition with 224 points.

Oakley has a quality lineup, including sophomore Chris Cox, the No. 1 ranked wrestler at 220 pounds. Juniors Estin Slack (113), Wyatt Murphy (160) and senior 285-pounder Leo Jirak are standouts, too. Cox won MCL at 220 and moved to 9-1.

Slack was ranked sixth at 113 pounds and took second at MCL to go 11-3 prior to Christmas. Jirak finished fourth to Phillipsburg’s Donovan Lumpkin.

Murphy was fifth at 160 pounds at MCL. Last year, Slack and Cox both qualified for state at 106 and 195. Slack finished 36-12 and sixth place. Cox took fourth with a 38-12 record and an incredible run on the backside.

Class 3-2-1A / Mid-Continent League 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 State Placing: 11th Coach: Dylan Campbell (8th year) Assistants: N/A Returning weights: 113 – Estin Slack, sixth at state, Jr. 132 – Morgan Rains, Fr. 138 – Tyler Park, Jr. 145 – McKellan Rains, So. 152 – Cory Mead, Jr. 160 – Wyatt Murphy, Jr. 182 – Garrett Waugh, Sr. 195 – Rocky Racette, Fr. 220 – Chris Cox, sixth at state, So. 285 – Leo Jirak, Sr.

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Senior 170-pounder Bryson Wesley is a returning state runner-up and is ranked third this season.

Wesley, in his first trip to state, finished 39-4. He won his first match by fall in 2 minutes, 56 seconds.

Wesley won his next three matches, 5-3, 7-3 and 7-2.

Sophomore Kel Grafel and junior Tabor Erickson are returning state qualifiers from a squad that finished eighth in the 3-2-1A championships last year with 54 points.

Grafel went 31-16 at 106 pounds, while Erickson went 34-12 at 160 pounds. Rex Diederich, who finished 40-3 and was the state runner-up at 195 pounds, is lost to graduation.

“We have a good returning core of mid to upper weights,” coach Joe Dreher said. “There should be some good competition in the practice room.”

Class 3-2-1A / Northwest Kansas League 2014-15 Dual Record: 10-4 2014-15 State Placing: 8th Coach: Joe Dreher (20th year) Assistants: Shane Bird Returning weights: 120 – Kel Grafel, state qualifier, So. 138 – Jeff Juenemann, Jr. 145 – Max Diederich, Jr. 160 – Justice Harris, Sr. 170 – Bryson Wesley, state runner-up, Sr. 182 – Dayton Kempt, Jr. 195 – Konnor Witt, Sr. 220 – Zeke Jimenez, So. Conor Nicholl

Osawatomie

Conor Nicholl A strong senior class will lead the Trojans this season as they look to build on their 22nd place finish at the state tournament.

Senior Brendon Chrisjohn is coming off a sixth Senior 126-pounder Marty Verhaeghe has made a place finish last year, and he’ll look to improve on a 41-7 record while moving up to 132 pounds. fan in Blue Valley Southwest coach Cody Parks.

“I look for him to be one of the top-ranked wrestlers “I cannot say enough great things about Marty Verhaeghe. He is the heart and soul of our team,” at 132 this year,” first year coach Steve Bowman said.

Parks said. “Hardest working kid that we have Senior Cole Wallace returns at 195 while senior Kicoached here at SW. He has 111 career wins to tana Diediker, juniors John Diediker, Cody Hazlett, show for it.”

Seth Kingsolver and Will Thompson are also back Verhaeghe is Mr. Dependability for the Timberin the lineup, as is sophomore Tyler Chrisjohn. wolves. His junior year marked personal bests Wallace went 28-21 at 182 pounds a year ago and with 42 victories and a fourth-place conclusion at state. Sophomore Riley McCall may be next in line. qualified for the state tournament, while Hazlett finished 25-18 and also qualified for state.

McCall burst through the 5A 106 bracket for fifth, “We return a strong nucleus of successful collecting two pins and one major decision along wrestlers, and we look forward to building on the the way. successes of last year’s accomplishments,” BowFour other state qualifiers will enter the circle for man said. “We return three state qualifiers and two Southwest, including senior Jake Willson. more wrestlers who lost in the regional consolation “Jake Willson will be a sleeper this year,” Parks said. “He is an amazing athlete that has finally been finals.” able to translate it to wrestling. We expect him to be Class 4A / Pioneer League on the podium this year.”

2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 State Placing: 22nd Class 5A / Eastern Kansas League Coach: Steve Bowman (1st year) 2014-15 Dual Record: 12-4 Assistant: Randy Newport 2014-15 State Placing: 15th Returning weights: Coach: Cody Parks (6th year) Assistants: Cole Chapman, Greg Buehler, Chris 120 – Kitana Diediker, Sr. Coffman, Mike Arend, Andrew Morgan, Paul Grieco 132 – Brendon Chrisjohn, 6th at state, Sr. 138 – Cody Hazlett, state qualifier, Jr. Returning weights: 145 – Will Thompson, Jr. 120 – Riley McCall, state placer, So. 132 – Marty Verhaeghe, three-time state qualifier, 152 – Tyler Chrisjohn, So. 160 – John Diediker, Jr. two-time state placer, Sr. 182 – Seth Kingsolver, Jr. 138 – Jake Willson, state qualifier, Sr. 195 – Cole Wallace, state qualifier, Sr. 152 – Michael Stack, state qualifier, Jr. Melanie McGee 160 – Jake Christie, state qualifier, Jr. 182 – Johnnie Kramer, state qualifier, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

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Olathe North and Garden City separated themselves from the 6A pack in 2015, more than 35 points ahead of the rest of the field. Olathe North settled for the runner-up trophy, however, 8-1/2 points behind the Buffaloes. Several state placers hope to push Olathe North back into the championship pursuit.

“We are extremely excited about the upcoming year. Hopefully we can meet the goals set by the captains in getting a little better each day,” said Olathe North coach Josh Carroll.

Three-time qualifier Zach Jaso has upped his win total every year – from 25 to 31 to 35 – as he placed fifth as a junior. Senior 285-pounder Chase Miller is a two-time placer, bumping up from fourth to third in his junior state trek. Jevon Parrish gives Olathe North a championship contender in the lightweights after stamping his claim to fourth place at 106 as a freshman.

Junior Riley Alderman and sophomore Terrell Garraway both come off fifth-place performances.

Alderman took sixth as a freshman, as well.

Class 6A / Sunflower League 2014-15 Dual Record: 10-0 2014-15 State Placing: 2nd Coach: Josh Carroll (5th year) Assistants: Clint Slyter, Dylan Hitchcock, Jeremy Pride Returning weights: 113 – Jevon Parrish, state placer, So. 120 – Riley Alderman, two-time state placer, Jr. 126 – Tyler Flood 138 – Terrell Garraway, state placer, So. 160 – Zach Jaso, three-time state qualifier, twotime state placer, Sr. 285 – Chase Miller, two-time state placer, Sr. Kyle McCaskey

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Two state champions and a long list of seniors dot the Blue Valley Northwest roster, making the Huskies a formidable foe come state-time.

Sam Elliott is well versed in the state tournament experience – a three-time qualifier, two-time placer and a champion. Elliott’s title came as a sophomore at 120 pounds when he reeled off a 41-2 season.

Elliott finished fourth this past season, and hopes to get back atop the podium. Teammate Max Tierney is also looking for a revival. Tierney was a champion in 2014 at 152, but did not place this past season.

Blue Valley Northwest can rattle off wins in a hurry.

Jason Laramore, Blake Johnson, Colin Kenney, Garrett Tierney and Elliott all checked off at least 25 wins a season ago.

Class 6A / Eastern Kansas League 2014-15 Dual Record: 14-5 2014-15 State Placing: 8th Coach: Tim Serbousek (23rd year) Assistants: Lee Wetter, Chad Roberts, Chris Paisley, Zach Orrick, Spencer Curran Returning weights: 132 – Jason Laramore, two-time state qualifier, Sr. 138 – Sam Elliott, three-time state qualifier, two-time state placer, state champion, Sr. 170 – Garrett Tierney, state qualifier, Jr. 182 – Max Tierney, two-time state qualifier, state champion, Sr. 182 – Jake McClain, Sr. 220 – Blake Johnson, state placer, Sr. 285 – Colin Kenney, state qualifier, Sr. McCaskey

Phillipsburg

The Panthers’ first ever state football title delayed the start of the wrestling season and left veteran coach Joe Buresh sorting out weights well into the pre-Christmas portion of the Panthers schedule.

One thing he did know is he would have to fill a gaping hole left by the graduation of the only state qualifier from a year ago, eventual 3-2-1A runner-up After several seasons of low numbers and no Luke Jacobs at 220 pounds. qualifiers, Osborne qualified three to the state Jacobs defeated Douglass’ Zachery Strother by tournament last year. Lance Hall qualified at 126 Fall, Sacred Heart sophomore Abel Alvarez by an pounds, while Spencer Heise reached state at 11-7 decision, and Oakley’s Dylan Gassman by Fall 132 pounds, and Derek Naegele qualified at 170 before losing to Marion standout Kyle Palic by Fall in pounds. Hall was a junior, Heise a freshman and the title bout. He finished his senior season 36-4 and Naegele a sophomore.

Hall finished 22-13, including 1-2 at state. He was signed to play football with Garden City Community College.

11-23 as a sophomore.

The Panthers have shown signs of life, especially in Heise went 31-8 and was also 1-2 at state. Both the upper weights, where junior Mark Coomes fell by wrestlers won their first round contest. Naegele one point to Norton’s Mike Kasson in the 160 pound finished 25-11 and also was 1-2, but lost his first round match before won his first backside match. final at the Dec. 19 MCL Round Robin Tournament.

Junior Drew Stapel wrestled to a second place Naegele was 10-17 as a freshman.

In Dec. 2015, Osborne finished third in the Lincoln/ finish at 182 in the tournament and senior Donovan Ellsworth Round Robin tournament with 98 points, Lumpkin was third in the 285 pound division.

Lumpkin is ranked fifth in the Dec. 22 KWCA trailing only 4A teams Chapman and Hays High. rankings and sophomore Kirk Coomes is fifth in the 195 pound class.

Class 3-2-1A / Northern Plains League 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A Class 3-2-1A / Mid-Continent League 2014-15 State Placing: 45th 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A Coach: Nate Brown (5th year) 2014-15 State Placing: N/A Assistants: N/A Coach: Joe Buresh (11th year) Returning weights: Assistants: N/A John Baetz 132 – Lance Hall, state qualifier, Sr. 138 – Spencer Heise, state qualifier, So. 145 – Quentin Morris, Jr. 152 – James Roenne, Jr. 170 – Byron Roenne, So. 182 – Roxton Brown, So. 195 – Derek Naegele, state qualifier, Jr. 220 – Jared LeiVan, Sr. Conor Nicholl O ffices in Phillipsburg, Logan, Stockton and Palco

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Kansas Mat Update, Volume 7

Page 14

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Plainville

Plainville, generally one of the upper tier 3-2-1A programs, has had to rebuild a little in the last two seasons. The Cardinals tallied just one point at state last season and graduated both of their state qualifiers, Trever Houser and Devon Mick.

Coach Corey Dobson is pleased with higher numbers this winter and is optimistic for improvement this season.

Plainville returns five seniors and junior Kyle Eickleberry, who co-ops from Palco. No wrestlers have state experience.

“Our numbers are up a little from last year,” coach Corey Dobson said. “We have the potential of being a decent team if we get guys in the right weight class and stay healthy. I am very excited about the five seniors we have coming back in Gunner Kerns, Chase Werner, Gabe Wilkens, Jared Plante and Braden Higden. They are all very fine young men that work hard and are great leaders.”

Riley County

Rossville

Danny Grater has rebuilt the Riley County program.

The current senior class will be the first class that has wrestled six years in the program (including junior high).

“This year looks to be an exciting year with everyone coming back from a team that had three state qualifiers and two others less than 30 seconds away from qualifying for state also,” Grater said.

“We add several very tough freshman to an already tough line up. We have a good group of seniors that will be our first graduating class.”

As well, Grater said two freshmen; 106-pounder Luke Richard and 160-pounder Mikey Waggoner “will look to make some noise.”

“We will also be putting a full team on the mat this year with several JV guys behind as well to help push the varsity guys,” Grater said. “Our room is going to be a good place to train and hopefully achieve our goals.”

Tommy Truesdale and Wes March are both twotime state qualifiers. Richard was ranked fifth at 106 pounds in mid-December. Truesdale fourth at 152, Waggoner sixth at 160.

Rossville got its typical late start to rounding into wrestling shape as the team awaited the arrival of several football players after the Bulldogs nailed down a second consecutive title on the gridiron.

The Bulldogs intend to bring that championship knowledge onto the mat.

Rossville has been a top-three finisher in 3-2-1A wrestling the past two seasons, and may be the biggest threat to Norton’s quest for a fourth-straight title.

“We may not have a huge number of wrestlers in our room, but we make up for it in work ethic, effort and quality,” said Rossville coach Curt Brecheisen.

“If we get everyone through the season healthy and wrestle up to our potential, we could have another solid showing at the end of February.”

Bryce Gfeller is halfway to the prestigious moniker of four-time state champion. Isaac Luellen, also a defending state champion and a three-time qualifier, will wrestle at Nebraska-Kearney next season.

Luellen entered his senior year with 95 victories.

Two other state placers and three qualifiers return to the Rossville roster.

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Royal Valley

Royal Valley dips down to 3-2-1A this year. Now, instead of competing as a tiny 4A, the Panthers are the fourth-largest 3-2-1A program.

“This year, our team has moved down from 4A to 3A, and I believe we will compete well,” said Royal Valley coach Jason Puderbaugh. “Also, we have made a few adjustments to our schedule, so with all that said, I look forward to the hard work that is in front of us, to the thrill of competing and facing all the challenges that the 2015-16 season brings!”

The Panthers return state qualifiers Charles Todd, Jacob Box and Noah Hart. Hart is a two-time qualifier and coming off a 35-11 season. Box scored two consolation round triumphs before his run ended. Todd qualified in 2014, but was injured for the 2015 season.

Class 4A / Big 7 Conference 2014-15 Dual Record: 6-12 2014-15 State Placing: 49th Coach: Jason A. Puderbaugh (5th year) Class 3-2-1A / Mid-Continent League Assistants: Douglas Spencer, Christian Ogden 2014-15 Dual Record: 3-5 Returning weights: 2014-15 State Placing: 58th 106 – Garret Pruyser; Dalton Ware Coach: Corey Dobson (10th year) Class 3-2-1A / Mid-East League Class 3A / Mid-East League 113 – Ethan Ashley Assistant: Ryan Becker 2014-15 Dual Record: 7-14 2014-15 Dual Record: 11-4 120 – Lance Bailey Returning weights: 2014-15 State Placing: 44th 2014-15 State Placing: 3rd 126 – Brett House; DJ Kester; Colby Burger 126 – Nate Normandin, So. Coach: Danny Grater (6th year) Coach: Curt Brecheisen (12th year) 132 – Tim Martin, Jr. 132 – Kyle Eickleberry, Jr. Assistants: Ben Davis Assistants: Courtney Horgan, Cody Lambotte 138 – Caleb Burnworth 138 – Gunner Kerns, Sr. Returning weights: Returning weights: 145 – Zack Lux 145 – Noah Hansen, So. 120 – Brady Brummett, So. 120 – Bryce Gfeller, two-time state champion, Jr. 152 – Noah Hart, two-time state qualifier 152 – Justin Plante, So. 145 – Tommy Truesdale, two-time state qualifier, 126 – Alex Cavanaugh, state placer, Sr. 170 – Garrett Rodewald 160 – Chase Werner, Sr. Sr. 132 – Holden Hurla, state qualifier, So. 182 – Jacob Box, state qualifier; Nathaniel Buchtel 182 – Nolan Jones, So. 160 – Chris Truesdale, state qualifier, Sr. 152 – Isaiah Luellen, state placer, So. 195 – Blake Garrison 220 – Braden Higden, Sr. 170 – Wes March, two-time state qualifier, Jr. 160 – Derek Gentry, two-time state qualifier, Sr. 220 – Brian Shane 285 – Jared Plante, Sr. 182 – Isaac Luellen, three-time state qualifier, two- 285 – Charles Todd, state qualifier; Keesis Potts Conor Nicholl 182 – Tucker Cales, Sr. 220 – Dillon Reichert, Sr. time state placer, state champion, Sr. Kyle McCaskey 285 - Clay Reed, Jr. Conor Nicholl 220 – Kole Davoren, state qualifier, Sr. Kyle McCaskey Russell qualified four wrestlers to state last year and finished tied for 32nd with 21.5 points.

Fresh off 1,300 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns Blake Boxberger and Dalton Brand graduated. on the gridiron, Scott City senior Cooper Griffith After flirting with Top 10 team status the past few Graduation pulled some key pieces from the Brand, legally blind, and one of the most inspirayears, Salina Central is on the brink of cashing in Cougars’ lineup. Gone is Alex Parker, a state placer eyes an elusive state championship on the mat. tional stories in Kansas, finished 37-3 and in fifth Griffith could not have drawn a worse first-round and securing a date with 5A’s elite. The Mustangs in the heavyweight bracket. Also out the door is place at 182 pounds. Boxberger, at 126 pounds, were 1/2-point shy of 10th in 2015. ever-steady Blaise Albers, who piled up 30 victories opponent in the 195-pound 3-2-1A bracket as a finished 24-9, including 2-2 at state. junior. Griffith paired with Troy’s Tristan Speer.

Chase Prester was sixth at state as a sophomore Likewise, senior Dalton Peters is a prime candidate as a senior. The new year also took away state Speer earned a 4-2 win on his way to an undefeated for an individual state title.

He qualified as a freshqualifier Brett Hilkemann. with a 31-7 record and finished 36-7 as a junior. season. Griffith settled for a lengthy run through the Prester won his first match before he lost to eventu- man and sophomore, both times being knocked out Three qualifiers do rejoin Salina South. Junior consolation bracket where he placed third, scoring one match before placing. As a junior, he exploded Allen Heberly is by far the most experienced of al state champion Corey Tyler of St. Marys, 11-4. two pins and a major decision along the way. Griffith all the Cougars, and will be counted on to set an Prester won a backside match, 4-2, before he fell into a title contender, reaching the 170-pound finals. St. James’ Matt Pratt edged out Peters, example in the room. Heberly was a qualifier at 132 is the top-ranked wrestler at 195 this season. to eventual fifth-place finisher Haegan Schafer of 2-1, but Peters made himself known with a 38-3 pounds as a sophomore, sporting a 2-2 record at Scott City 113-pounder Zachery Tucker celebrated a Silver Lake. In late-December this year, Prester season. state that left him one match short of the Top 6 on state title this past season. Tucker defeated Norton’s stood No. 2 at 145 pounds.

Skylar Johnson 5-2 in the 106-pound finale. Those Peters brings a capable crew along with him. the podium. Heberly finished the year 27-10. He Junior Kelton Suchy has twice qualified for state, two are the projected favorites at 113 now, with Senior Michael McMullen reeled off 35 wins on his also qualified as a freshman at 120 with a 22-12 including a 26-14 record as a freshman. Suchy Johnson edging out Tucker for the No. 1 rank early qualified with a 24-3 record at 152 pounds, but then way to a fourth-place showing at 220. Jack Helvey season. Heberly is currently ranked in the 145 on in the march toward state. class as he chases a third state bid. went 1-2 at state. He had a challenging first round earned sixth place at 195 as he finished three The Beavers are boosted by new 106-pounder Salina South 106-pounder Brenner Vogan and match versus Norton’s Mike Kasson, the eventual of his state matches by pinfall. Kyle True (182) captured two wins at state. McMullen, Helvey, and 126-pounder Martin Puttbrese both snuck into the Theron Tucker, who has procured a state ranking. third-place finisher. Senior Kyle Schroeder also Sophomore Jarret Jurgens returns after taking fourth True are all two-time qualifiers. state brackets, but neither was able to pull out a returns; he went 19-11 two years ago. as a freshman with a 23-10 record.

Chance Sorell was a qualifier back in 2014. The victory in the tournament. That experience would optimally be a building block for both sophomores The Beavers are again in the conversation for a Class 3-2-1A / North Central Activities Association Mustangs also found a pair of capable freshmen, trophy after finishing fifth this past season. Scott City Drew Burgoon and Julian Falco, to fill out the light this season, however.

2014-15 Dual Record: 10-3 lost two state placers to graduation off that roster. weights.

Salina South will compete in the Valley Center 2014-15 State Placing: 32nd Salina Central will be the favorite, along with regional, where Newton and Salina Central are Coach: Roger Sells (3rd year) Class 3A / Great West Activities Conference Newton, to win the Valley Center regional. among the top programs in the event.

Assistants: Luke Keller, Austin Tatro 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A Returning weights: 2014-15 State Placing: 5th Class 5A / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League Class 5A / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail League 126 – Caleb Baldwin, Jr. Coach: Jon Lippelmann Division 1 Division 1 138 – Kyle Schroeder, Sr. Assistants: N/A 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 145 – Chase Prester, state qualifier, Sr. Returning weights: 2014-15 State Placing: 11th 2014-15 State Placing: 22nd 152 – Isaac Guzman, So. N/A Coach: Shannon Peters Coach: Gary Seibel 160 – Kelton Suchy, state qualifier, Jr. Assistants: N/A Assistants: N/A 170 – Grant Murphy, Jr. Kyle McCaskey 182 – Austin Meyer, Jr. Kyle McCaskey Kyle McCaskey 195 – Jake Sellens, Sr. 220 – Brooks Nichols, So. Conor Nicholl Joel Benson, CPA “Know the Terry,Jon difference Mary Benson, CPA between having a

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Kansas Mat Update, Volume 7

Page 15

Shawnee-Mill Valley

Mill Valley athletics have surged upward in recent seasons. A season ago, the Jaguars took home a wrestling trophy with a third-place finish. This fall, the football team won its first state title. Now the wrestling program will see if it can match it.

“We have a great group of hardworking student-athletes that will make up the 2015-2016 Jaguar wrestling team,” said Mill Valley coach Travis Keal.

It will be a tall task to replace the production of state runner-ups Logan Marx and Bryan Burnett.

Two other second-place finishers return, though, and are in the hunt for a title.

Conner Ward pieced together a 40-win season, but saw his season close with a heartbreaking 1-0 loss in the 113-pound title bout to Newton’s Logan Treaster. Teammate Dylan Gowin was 35-10, but took a loss in the 106 championship round to Arkansas City’s Marcus Robinson, 6-4.

Seven others return with coveted state tournament experience to a deep Jaguars lineup.

Class 5A / Kaw Valley League 2014-15 Dual Record: 9-2 2014-15 State Placing: 3rd Coach: Travis Keal (16th year) Assistants: Drew Hudgins, Brett Delich, Bo Pursel, Ian Nichols Returning weights: 113 – Dylan Gowin, state placer, Jr. 120 – Bryson Markovich, So. 126 – Conner Ward, state placer, So. 132 – Jarrett Bendure, state qualifier, So. 138 – Jett Bendure, state placer, Jr. 145 – Ryan Anderson, two-time state qualifier, Sr. 160 – Hayden Keopke, state placer, So. 170 – Seth Burnett, three-time state qualifier, twotime state placer, Sr. 182 – Peyton Bendure, two-time state qualifier, Sr. 285 – Alec Derritt, state qualifier, Jr. Kyle McCaskey

Spring Hill

Spring Hill cracked the Top 10 in 4A in 2015, but now will usher in the next era of Broncos. Graduation snatched stalwarts such as Brandon Dofat, Caleb Volkman and Brad Smith out of the lineup, and thusly left critical tournament points for the Broncos to try to recoup this year.

“We will be fairly young as a team, but we are very excited about getting our numbers. It looks like we will be back up to 50-plus wrestlers on our squad,” said Spring Hill coach Tucker Woofter.

The new – or at least younger – guard taking charge for Spring Hill is junior Sam Christy and sophomore Noah Nemer. Christy comes off a 34win campaign and a state bid. Christy was knocked out in the state quarterfinals by the eventual 285-pound state champion. Nemer fought through the backside of the bracket to place sixth in his first state trip, chalking up 30 wins.

The regional assignment was not necessarily kind for a Broncos team with little postseason experience.

Class 4A / Frontier League 2014-15 Dual Record: 12-10 2014-15 State Placing: 10th Coach: Tucker Woofter (11th year) Assistants: Darvin Willard, Caleb Payne, Ricky Moritz Returning weights: 113 – Noah Nemer, state placer, So. 285 – Sam Christy, state qualifier, Jr. McCaskey

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The Cougars march out seven wrestlers that have qualified for state before. The next progression, of course, is seeing how many can make the turn into state placer.

“If my seniors stay healthy, they have a good chance to earn a state medal,” said Shawnee Mission Northwest coach Howard Newcomb. “My 106 has made a tremendous effort this summer to get better and prepare like a champion.”

Sophomore Jerad Habban stuck at 106 pounds with the new year. His experience in the weight class makes him a strong candidate for a Top 6 showing in 6A. Habban was one victory shy of placing as a freshman, going 2-2 at state to finish his first season 28-17.

That is a common trait shared among several Cougars – Trenton Smith, Brian Morelan and Trevor Rine all scored one win at state. Devonte Smith has yet to secure a state victory, but he has experience to work off of after earning a qualifying bid twice.

Smith Center

Smith Center has plenty of talent returning from a squad that finished 10th in the 3-2-1A state tournament with 49.5 points. However, the Redmen have just one senior; Cale Rogers, a three-time state qualifier and two-time state placer with fifth and fourth place finishes.

The three Rogers brothers – Colt, Clint and Cale – have placed at state 10 of a possible 11 years. Cale went 35-13 as a sophomore.

“Cale Rogers is an important piece to the puzzle of success this year. He will have to be the vocal, emotional, mental, and by example leader that he has always been on the wrestling mat and in everyday life,” coach Brock Hutchinson said. “Cale will also have to balance work with play and show the younger athletes how to keep the grind fun!”

Junior David Hileman returns after he finished as state runner-up as a freshman and a state champion as a sophomore. Sophomore Colton Hutchinson, No. 1 for part of last season, finished fourth at 120 pounds. Hileman was 33-10 as a freshman and 40-8 last year. Hileman defeated Wabaunsee Class 6A / Sunflower League Class 6A / Sunflower League freshman Riley Tubbs by fall in 5 minutes, 20 2014-15 Dual Record: 4-5 2014-15 Dual Record: 6-2 seconds. Hileman was ranked fourth, Tubbs first.

2014-15 State Placing: 23rd 2014-15 State Placing: 26th Hileman trailed 8-5 late. Hutchinson finished 36-8 Coach: Tom Peterman (3rd year) Coach: Howard Newcomb (16th year) last season.

Assistants: Conan McCormack, Gage Deere Assistants: Joel Eberhart, Nathan Towns, Ross Hileman’s crown was the lone individual title for the Returning weights: Whitmore, Josh Hanson Mid-Continent League, who has claimed 11 of last 106 – Jose Nippert, two-time state qualifier, Sr. Returning weights: 12 team titles. The MCL went 1-3 in championship 132 – Alonso Salgado, state qualifier, So. 106 – Jerad Habban, state qualifier, So. bouts. Hileman and Atchison County 120-pound 160 – Cesar Salgado, state qualifier, Sr. 126 – Colin Anthony, state qualifier, Sr. sophomore Hunter Ostertag, both seeded fourth 195 – Joe Steve, state qualifier, Sr. 138 – Devonte Smith, two-time state qualifier, Jr. entering state, were the lowest ranked wresters to 285 – Nick Carson, Sr. win a title.

Kyle McCaskey 138 – Tyler Tummons, state qualifier, Jr. 138 – Trevor Rine, state qualifier, Sr. “Our schedule is a very demanding schedule that 152 – Brian Morelan, state qualifier, Sr. hopefully will prepare our athletes for the champion170 – Trenton Smith, state qualifier, Jr. ship series,” coach Hutchinson said.

Kyle McCaskey In late-December, Smith Center stood eighth in the St. Francis qualified two wrestlers for the state team rankings. Hileman was No. 1 at 126 pounds, meet last season in Clay De Waal (145) and a spot ahead of Tubbs. Three MCL wrestlers were Shakotah Blanka (285). Blanka graduated, while in the top five. Hutchinson was third at 132 pounds, De Waal finished 13-8 with a 1-2 record at state.

Rogers had fallen out of the 160 pound rankings and He drew St. Marys’ Corey Taylor, the eventual state sophomore Dalton Kuhn was sixth at 220. champion, in the first round.

De Waal finished the 2015 pre-Christmas schedule Class 3-2-1A / Mid-Continent League with an 11-0 record, including a dominant run 2014-15 Dual Record: 3-4 Senior Mikey Aguilar was a 2014 state qualifier through the Wray (Colo.) tournament. He went 5-0 with a 33-11 record and missed last season with 2014-15 State Placing: 10th with his matches by fall in a combined 2 minutes, an injury. Junior Tanner Sipes (18-18) is Stafford’s Coach: Brock Hutchinson (16th year) 5 seconds. Then, he won by technical fall, 15-0, lone returning regional contestant from last winter. Assistants: Landon Keiswetter before a win by fall in 71 seconds and a 19-7 major State qualifier Trenton Weber graduated after he Returning weights: decision victory.

126 - David Hileman, two-time state placer, Jr. went 25-9 and finished fourth at regional.

132 - Colton Hutchinson, fourth at state, So. Second-year coach Jason Storm returns Aguilar, 3-2-1A / Northwest Kansas League 138/145 - Dalton Oliver, state qualifier, Jr. along with several highly regard transfers. Logan 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A Shocklee comes from Arlington Martin (Tex.) High 152 - Keaton Bortz, Jr. 2014-15 State Placing: 46th 160 - Chase Ryan, Jr. School, and Philip Gift is a Maize South transfer.

Coach: Dylon Loyd (5th year) 170 - Cale Rogers, two-time state placer, Sr. They are expected to wrestle at 138 and 152 Assistants: N/A 182 - Kaden Meitler, state qualifier, Jr. pounds, respectively.

Returning weights: 195 - Avery Hawkins, So. Stafford forms a co-op with Fairfield, which 120 – Tiernan Polling, Fr. 220 - Dalton Kuhn, So. includes freshman 220-pounder Logan Serviss 126 – Coy De Waal, So. Conor Nicholl and 132-pounder Jerry Oller. Junior 195-pounder 145 – Garrett Brunk, Sr. Trace Shultz finished 8-2 in limited time last 152 – Clay De Waal, Sr. winter.

195 – Luin Norris, So. “We look to have great numbers this year due to Stockton struggled last year with no dual victories 220 – Tristan Doyle, So. some transfers from other schools,” Storm said.

Conor Nicholl “We hope to stay healthy this year and put a good and no state qualifiers. Junior Brayden Winters, a state qualifier two years ago, leads a returning team on the mat and compete at a higher level than we did last year. We look to rely on returning group of five upperclassmen starters.

“An increase in numbers should allow us to be more Senior Michael Aguilar and transfer senior Logan competitive in practice which will make us better Shocklee (from Arlington-Martin High School Hwy 36 in competition,” coach Clint Bedore said. “I should in Texas). Both wrestlers have shown great have good leadership from my upperclassmen. leadership potential and look to lead the Trojans There should be a great deal of improvement from this season.”

785-282-3571 all the upperclassmen.”

Class 3-2-1A / Heart of the Plains League Class 3-2-1A / Mid-Continent League 2014-15 Dual Record: 3-8 Dine-in or Carryout 2014-15 Dual Record: 0-6 2014-15 State Placing: 61st 2014-15 State Placing: DNP Coach: Jason Storm (2nd year) Coach: Clint Bedore (5th year) Assistants: Patrick Dake Assistants: N/A Returning weights: Returning weights: 132 – Jerry Oller, So. 120 - Brayden Winters, ’14 state qualifier, Jr. 138 – Michael Aguilar, state qualifier, Sr. 126 - Shea Ward, Sr. 160 – Tanner Sipes, Jr. 132 - Travis Clements, Jr. 182 – Nick Robertson, Sr. 1503 S. Main • PO Box 438 170 - Evan Ruize, Jr. 195 – Trace Shultz, Jr. Scott City, KS 67871 195 - Landon Becker, Sr. 285 – Luke Alpers, Jr. 620-872-3393 • 800-698-7121 Conor Nicholl Conor Nicholl The brothers Saldago will lead Shawnee Mission North into battle this season. Cesar Saldago returns for his senior year with a vengeance after falling one match short of the podium in the consolation round at 160 pounds. Cesar was 2-2 at the state tournament, ending his season 18-11.

Sophomore Alonso Salgado made the state cut in his first go-round at 126 pounds. Alonso pulled out one win at state.

Shawnee Mission North also brings back Jose Nippert, a two-time qualifier. Nippert is the rare senior who has stuck it out in the 106-pound weight division. Nippert’s veteran presence has him climbing into class rankings early in the season.

Senior Joe Steve is the Indians’ other state qualifier. He will inch up from 182 to 195. Heavyweight Nick Carson was fourth at the Johnson County Classic a year ago.

Shawnee Mission North will wrestle in the manageable Lawrence regional.

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Kansas Mat Update, Volume 7

Page 16

We wish all area athletes a safe and successful season!

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Sublette

Sublette returns just two wrestlers for fifth-year coach Matt Fox, also the team’s head football coach this past season. Seniors Jared Garetson (160) and Alex Bolivar (285) are the lone returners for the Larks.

“This season will be a rebuilding season, but we will have a large number of new wrestlers in our program,” Fox said. “The young men that we have out are good, hardworking athletes who will improve with every week.

“Jared Garetson came close to qualifying at 145 last year,” Fox added. “He took a leadership role on the football team, and we look for great things from him this wrestling season while moving up several weight classes.”

Class 3-2-1A / Hi-Plains League 2014-15 Dual Record: 1-9 2014-15 State Placing: 61st Coach: Matt Fox (5th year) Assistants: Justin Groth Returning weights: 160 – Jared Garetson, Sr. 285 – Alex Bolivar, Sr.

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Wakeeney-Trego Community

Jeremy Samson, a former WaKeeney assistant before he took over as head coach, and Michael Malay, a previous Golden Eagle state champion, have done a solid job of turning around the program.

Last season, John Kuhn, 9-17 as a freshman, qualified for state at 113 pounds and finished 17-17.

Senior Corbin Schoenthaler went to state for the first time. He went 14-10 as a sophomore and 25-8 last season. He won his first round match before he fell to eventual state champion Greg Tooley of St. Marys in the second round. Junior Tanner Lowry qualified for state at 182 pounds and finished 22-16.

“I am very excited for this season to start,” Samson said prior to the season. “For the first time in my coaching career every wrestler who qualified for the state tournament the previous year is back. We will add a few solid freshmen to the mix this season as well.

“It will be great to have John, Corbin, and Tanner back in the line-up this season,” Samson added.

“I am also looking for big things from sophomores Brady Mattke and Hunter Folsom. These five young men will be good leaders of a young core of wrestlers this year.”

On Dec. 12, Trego won four medals at the Jeff Giles Memorial Invitational held in Minneapolis. Mattke won at 195 pounds. Schoenthaler finished second, falling to No. 2 ranked Chase Prester of Russell, 8-3, in the championship. Lowry took second at 182, and Kuhn finished fourth.

Class 3-2-1A / Mid-Continent League 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 State Placing: N/A Coach: Jeremy Samson (4th year) Assistants: Michael Malay Returning weights: 126 – John Kuhn, state qualifier at 113, Jr. 132 – Blake Spencer, So. 138 – Jory Micek, So. 152 – Corbin Schoenthaler, state qualifier, Sr. 160 – Hunter Folsom, So. 170 – Allen Goff, Sr. 182 – Tanner Lowry, state qualifier, Jr. 195 – Brady Mattke, So. Conor Nicholl

Thomas More Prep-Marian moved up to 4A for one year and had just one state qualifier, Tucker Rhoades. He went 1-2 at state and finished 3410. Two seasons ago, as a freshman, Rhoades finished 33-10 and sixth at 113 pounds. Ricky Hockett also qualified as a sophomore with a 25-13 record.

Rhoades was the first non-Dylan Schumacher state placer for TMP since Preston Werth in 2010.

Schumacher was a four-time state placer.

TMP is back in 3-2-1A this year.

Hockett, a senior, enjoyed a strong December.

Competing at 138 pounds, Hockett didn’t lose until the Mid-Continent League championship and stood at 8-1 entering Christmas. He went 4-1, including three wins by fall.

Hockett lost to Plainville’s Gunner Kerns by pin in 73 seconds in the championship. As well, Thomas Lovewell was third at 113 pounds and Chris Stecklein was third at 220 in the MCL Championship. TMP took eighth in the 10-team league with 84 points. However, it tied last place finisher Stockton for fewest wrestlers with seven.

Rhoades did not complete in the tournament.

Class 3-2-1A / Mid-Continent League 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 State Placing: 47th Coach: Dakota Hayes (2nd year) Assistant: Derek Schumacher Returning weights: 113 – Thomas Lovewell, So. 120 – Creighton Newell, Fr. 132 – Tucker Rhoades, two-time state qualifier, one-time state placer, Jr. 138 – Ricky Hockett, state qualifier, Sr. 160 – Jacob Schmeidler, Fr. 195 – Lucas Taylor, So. 220 – Chris Stecklein, Jr. 285 – Nick Meis, Jr. Conor Nicholl

Wamego

Four state qualifiers, including three seniors, are back to progress on their finishes from a year ago.

“We have a few seniors that qualified last year that left Salina very disappointed,” said Wamego coach Jeremy Gilkerson. “I believe the bad taste they had from last year will drive them to work hard this season.”

Heavyweight Kasey Feyh took momentum from a breakout junior year all the way to the title match.

There, he ran into Chapman’s Jason Zook. Zook scored a pin to finish an undefeated season and stop Feyh’s year at 34-3.

Senior Dylan Bloom is a two-time qualifier. He won two bouts at state but was thwarted one match short of placing to end his year 24-7. Senior Alec Pierson and junior Reece Warren both picked up one win at state before bowing out. Pierson suffered an opening-round loss to eventual champion Anthony Scantlin of Mulvane.

Class 4A / North Central Kansas League 2014-15 Dual Record: 4-3 2014-15 State Placing: 16th Coach: Jeremy Gilkerson (4th year) Assistants: Lee Hecke Returning weights: 113 – Dylan Bloom, two-time state qualifier, Sr. 120 – Angel Negron 126 – Reece Warren, state qualifier, Jr. 132 – Colton Simonsson 138 – Alec Pierson, state qualifier, Sr. 145 – Griffin McLemore 152 – Tristan Neff 160 – Hunter Cragg 182 – Ethan Simonson 195 – Shawn Burns 285 – Kasey Feyh, state placer, Sr. Kyle McCaskey

Dine-in, Carryout, & Delivery

Topeka-Washburn Rural

The past few seasons established a base for Washburn Rural as it climbed up the 6A team standings – from 23rd to 18th to 13th. The quietly steady progress drew some attention, marking Washburn Rural as one of the tougher programs in the state. Those last few rungs on the ladder that ascend into the Top 10 are the hardest to reach, but Washburn Rural could have enough up-and-down stability to make that climb.

“This looks to be the best team we have had in my time as coach at Washburn Rural,” said Damon Parker. “If everyone gets to the correct weights and we can stay away from the injury bug, this could be a historically good season for Rural.”

Gunnar Murray proved himself as a freshman by placing fifth in 6A’s stacked 106-pound class.

Senior Trent Miles scratched through consolation the past two years to place sixth. Senior Alec Stindt is a two-time qualifier.

Class 6A / Centennial League 2014-15 Dual Record: 10-3 2014-15 State Placing: 13th Coach: Damon Parker (5th year) Assistants: Patrick Schultes, Aaron Freislinger, Jordan Short, Aaron Wilson Returning weights: 113 – Gunnar Murray, state placer, So. 120 – Austin Jenkins, So. 126 – Raul Ayala, state qualifier, Jr. 132 – Mohammad Zalloum, Sr. 138 – Matt Voigt, Sr. 145 – Jarad Cypret, state qualifier, Sr. 152 – Alec Stindt, two-time state qualifier, Sr. 160 – Trent Miles, two-time state placer, Sr. 170 – Nathan Iles, state qualifier, Jr. 182 – Braeden Ingold, Jr. 195 – Devin Blackwell, Sr. 220 – Xavier Vazquez, Jr.; LaVale Jackson, Sr. 285 – Michael Mattox, state qualifier, Sr. Kyle McCaskey

Wichita Independent

Wichita Independent hopes to revive interest within its wrestling program. To do so, the Panthers turn to one of the most talented family trees of wrestling in the 316 area code. Ulyesses DeShazer grabs the coaching reins of the Independent program.

“New program, trying to build tradition,” DeShazer said. “Will surprise a lot of teams. Not a lot of depth, but good, quality kids.”

Independent will compete in the Marion regional.

The Panthers last qualified a wrestler in 2013.

Independent was close to pushing a qualifier into the 3-2-1A state tournament in 2015. Dylan Vance (120 pounds), Chase Bowman (138) and Gunner Jenson (170) all fell one match shy of a state berth.

Bryce Bowman at 113 and Ethan Chandler at 160 add two more experienced grapplers into the fold.

Arron Brown did not wrestle this past season after suffering a knee injury, but he has the pedigree – Brown was a kid’s state champion.

Class 3-2-1A / Central Plains League 2014-15 Dual Record: 3-4 2014-15 State Placing: DNP Coach: Ulyesses DeShazer (1st year) Assistants: Josh Clark, Skyler McComb Returning weights: 113 – Bryce Bowman, So. 120 – Dylan Vance, Jr. 138 – Chase Bowman, Jr. 160 – Ethan Chandler, So. 170 – Gunner Jenson, So. Kyle McCaskey

H ill C ity • O ak ley • W aK een ey Scott C ity • H erin gton

Tribune-Greeley County

Two significant pieces of the Jackrabbit wrestling team are gone; Coach Nathan Broeckelman, a former standout Norton wrestler who re-started the Greeley County program three years ago, takes over at Great Bend, and Caleb Austin, who capped a brilliant career with a runner-up finish at 138 pounds at the 3-2-1A Tournament.

Austin defeated Hoisington’s Brandon Ball in the regular season, but then lost to Ball in the final seconds of the championship match giving Ball his fourth straight title. Austin finished the memorable season 43-1.

But the cupboard is not bare for the Jackrabbits.

Nathan Miller wrestled to a third place finish in the 126 pound division of the Ulysses mid-December tournament and Isaac Stone - a state qualifier during his sophomore year two seasons ago finished second in the 138 pound class.

Two Noahs - Noah Leon and Noah Oschner - gave Greeley County a presence in the middle weights at 152 and 170 pounds respectively.

Class 3-2-1A / N/A 2014-15 Dual Record: N/A 2014-15 State Placing: N/A Coach: N/A Assistants: N/A John Baetz

Kansas Mat Update, Volume 7

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