Derby’s Kelly Heincker – Coach Spotlight – Presented by Todd Benway – State Farm
By Joanna Chadwick The Derby wrestling program has always been one of the best programs in the state. This year was no different. Derby is led by coach Kelly Heincker, who is in his 18th season coaching and second season as the head coach for the Panthers. “It is one of the greatest honors of […]
Buhler’s Cruz Hershberger – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Ken Hansard Buhler High wrestler Cruz Hershberger just wrapped up a career that included a lot of big milestones. Hershberger has wrestled since he was a fourth grader and has never failed to make it to state, whether in high school or with Kids’ Club. He has been an undefeated First-Team All-League nominee. As […]
Haven’s Jacob Moore – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by PrairieStar Health Center
By Ken Hansard Haven High senior wrestler Jacob Moore first took the mat for the Wildcats as a freshman. From that point on, he improved each year, both in skill and in status. In November, standing on the cusp of his final high school season, he had one simple goal – to finish his career […]
Derby’s Brooke Downs – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Door Rescue
By Ken Hansard The Derby girls’ wrestlers shared a wealth of success during the 2024-2025 season. They won the AVCTL – Division I. They won every dual that they competed in this season, posting a perfect 7-0 record. They finished 11th in 6A State overall at the KSHSAA State Championships. Derby junior wrestler and team […]
Northwest Wichita’s Samya Slater – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Caleb Hanke State Farm
By Angela Brunk Samya Slater, a senior at Northwest Wichita High School, has made a lasting impact on her school’s varsity wrestling team. As the wrestling season nears its end, Slater reflects on her goals, challenges, and accomplishments, both on and off the mat. This season, Slater’s primary goal was to place in the top […]
Derby’s Liam Coultis – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Angela Brunk Liam Coultis, a senior wrestler from Derby High School, is having an impressive final season on the mat. Competing in the 138-pound weight class, Coultis has set ambitious goals for himself this year. One of his primary objectives was to reach his 100th career high school varsity win, which he accomplished in […]
Wichita West’s Chance Johnson – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Angela Brunk Chance Johnson, a dedicated wrestler from Wichita West High School, has made a significant mark in his athletic career. Competing in the 285-pound weight class, Johnson is focused on finishing his senior wrestling season strong. Although the season is well underway, his sights are set on taking first place at regionals and […]
Haven’s Trista Rogers – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by PrairieStar Health Center
By Angela Brunk Trista Rogers, a senior at Haven High School, has established herself as a fierce competitor in the 155lbs girl’s wrestling weight class. With clear goals set for her final season, Rogers’ personal aim is to achieve 40 wins, fewer than 7 losses, and, most importantly, to claim the win at the state […]
Andover Central’s Nathan Burke – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Shelter Insurance – Jodi Ocadiz
By Ken Hansard Nathan Burke took a different route than most when it came to wrestling. Most wrestlers come from “wrestling families” and begin wrestling at a very young age. Nathan joined wrestling after watching the sport from a much different point of view, “I was manager when I first joined. After watching just one […]
Mulvane’s Leainnah Landreth – Poll Winner – Presented by Hutchinson Community College
By Matt Browning There are very few days where Mulvane’s Leainnah Landreth isn’t on the wrestling mat. But she is hoping that work translates until success this season. “For the past four years I’ve been wrestling pretty much year round,” Landreth said. “So in the off season I do club wrestling and we train freestyle and […]