Kansas high school wrestling is officially back in action! Practices across the state have resumed, and competition kicks off this week. This season brings an exciting change for girls' wrestling, as KSHSAA has realigned the girl's classification to mirror that of the boys' divisions. Let’s take a closer look at the top 3 teams for both boys and girls.
BOYS TOP CONTENDERS:
Rose Hill – Class 4A
Ranked #1 in the state, Rose Hill enters the season as the reigning 4A state champion. Key returners include state finalists Sr. Samson Whitted, Jr. Sebastian Bentley, Sr. Johnny Leck, and Sr. Damon Ingram. Joining them are So. James Bilby, Sr. Trenton Richwine, Sr. Adam Bilby, and Sr. Cole Roger—all returning state placers. Fr. Thunder Page, who placed 8th as an eighth-grader at the Fargo Nationals this past summer, is new to the roster. Rose Hill made a strong showing at Fargo Nationals, sending the most high school wrestlers of any Kansas High School. You can catch the Rockets at the Warrior Duals in St. Pius X on December 28, 2024, where they’ll face top competition from many out-of-state schools.
Goddard – Class 5A
Back-to-back state champions, Goddard is ranked #2 in the state. The team returns seven state qualifiers and adds Jayden Grijalva, last year’s state champion for Derby. Key returns include Gauna, McElwain, and Goodwin, who all reached the state finals, while Glover and Vieyra secured 4th and 5th places, respectively. Goddard opens its season at the Gardner Edgerton Invitational.
Manhattan – Class 6A
The defending 6A champions, Manhattan returns six state qualifiers, including Jr. Caeleb Hutchinson, a state champion. Dobson and Lagerman took 3rd last season, Uher finished 4th, and Connrod placed 5th. Evans-Pryor narrowly missed placing, losing in overtime during the blood round to Junction City’s Bohanan. Manhattan begins its season at the Gardner Edgerton Invitational.
GIRLS TOP CONTENDERS:
Dodge City – Class 6A
Ranked #1 in all-class rankings and placed 3rd at last season’s 6-5A state championships, Dodge City returns a talented lineup. Returners include Elizabeth Ramirez, Ashley Alonso, Hailey Ramos, Yareli Garcia, and Liliana Arroyo. Ramirez is a USA Wrestling freestyle state champion and Fargo National Qualifier, while Alonso ended her season with a 37-1 record and a state title. Ramos is a two-time state runner-up and three-time USAWKS Folkstyle Kids State champion. Arroyo also competed at Fargo Nationals. Dodge City is bringing in a promising freshman class including Briana Garcia, Malena Ontiberos, Alejandra Delarosa, and Yoselyn Rubio. The Red Demons season kicks off at the Valley Center Invitational.
Oakley – Class 321A
Ranked #1 in 321A and #2 in all-class rankings, Oakley returns five state qualifiers: Kylee Hodges, Abbygayl Jackson, Cali Wagoner, Atavia Cain, and Brooke Smith. Hodges, Cain, and Wagoner finished 2nd at state, while Smith placed 6th. Cain’s only loss last season came in the state finals to Kiley Dillow of Chanute. Oakley is looking for another strong season, and they will start their season off at the Christmas City Wrestling Classic.
Garden City – Class 6A
Ranked #3 in all-class rankings and finished in 2nd place at last season’s 6-5A championships; Garden City returns several state placers, including Kaira Acosta (3rd), Marina Loera (4th), Crystal Loera (3rd), and Maya Tarbet, a two-time state champion. Other notable returners include Emjay Marez, Alyxia Serrano, and Margarita Guzman. The girls’ squad will debut at the Valley Center Invitational.
As Kansas high school wrestling returns, anticipation is building for an exciting season. From powerhouse teams like Rose Hill, Goddard, and Dodge City, the 2024 season promises to be one to remember. Wrestling Season is officially in the air!
TOP CONTENDERS: KANSAS’ LEADING HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLING TEAMS
