Wichita Southeast’s Karen Gonzales – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Tommy Leach Shelter Insurance
By Blake Chadwick Wichita Southeast senior wrestler Karen Gonzales is a senior who wrestles at the 130 weight class and has made her mark wrestling; transforming herself into a finalist, a multi-time champion, and one of the most respected leaders in the GWAL. Wrestling for just four years, after five years of jiu-jitsu, Gonzales has […]
Winfield’s Abby Brenn – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Visit Salina
By Hayden Swope Abby Brenn of Winfield is entering the season focused, and is building the mindset it takes to compete at a high level. “So far it’s just been getting back into routine, conditioning, and preparing to be in that mat ready mind set,” Brenn said. “I think the main thing I tried to […]
Maize’s Vincent Rosas – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Alexandria Johnson Shelter Insurance
By Cooper Chadwick As a leader for the Maize Eagles, junior Vincent Rosas hopes to lead his team to a state title. “There is no better feeling than winning a state title with some of your best friends,” Rosas said. “We recently brought on some new coaches, and they will have a big impact on […]
Kapaun Mount Carmel’s Courtney Nye – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by KTAG
By Matt Browning Kapaun Mount Carmel’s Courtney Nye is the defending Class 5A champion at 125 and is preseason No. 1 at that class. But throughout the offseason conditioning, Nye took on a new role. “I was acting as a coach during our team’s off-season conditioning, which lasted four weeks,” Nye said. “Alongside a few other […]
Hutchinson’s Sophia Zwickl – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Angela Brunk Sophia Zwickl is a senior whose high school wrestling career reflects resilience, dedication, and leadership. Having wrestled since middle school, Zwickl has grown into a cornerstone of the Hutchinson wrestling program and a role model for younger athletes. Entering her senior season, she was especially excited for the chance to compete at […]
Wichita East’s Avei’yeah Wilson – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Braden Carter Farmers Insurance
By Hayden Swope As the new wrestling season approaches, Avei’yeah Wilson of Wichita East has been putting in extra time and effort toward her preparation; both on and off the mat. “This season I’m taking more time to get mentally and physically prepared for the upcoming season, I’m putting more dedication and focus towards school […]
Newton’s Jaeann James – Poll Winner – Presented by Advanced Physical Therapy
By Cooper Chadwick Newton high school senior Jaeann James has qualified for state all three years of her high school career and she hopes this year will be no different. “ I am dedicated and committed to my team. My team knows that I will show up and work hard. I expect them to do […]
Wichita Heights’ Jonovan Wyatt – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by Emprise Bank
By Cooper Chadwick After finishing fifth at state last year, Heights senior Jonovan Wyatt is hungry for more. “I want to make a name for myself in this sport through hard work and consistency. I want the people around me to be proud of what I’m doing, and I want to be the type of […]
Wichita North’s Thomas Shields – Athlete Spotlight – Presented by David Kauffman
By Blake Chadwick Wichita North senior Thomas Shields enters his final season with one clear goal in mind and that is winning the 113 pound state championship. Shields embraces the grind, often saying that if he’s not suffering, he’s not working hard enough. Now in his ninth year of wrestling, Shields attacks every practice with […]
Newton’s Avery Hinojos – Prep Performance of the Month – Presented by Hog Wild Pit BBQ
Last year Newton senior Avery Hinojos won the 5A state championship at 115 pounds, and this year she hopes to do the same thing. “I am most excited to see how my season goes and to achieve all the goals I will accomplish through my high school wrestling career. I’m looking forward to bonding with […]