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 my life to lead such a historic program,” Heincker said. “Not only was I raised in this program but it has one of the strongest traditions in the state of Kansas. It is not lost on me the privilege of serving this program.”
Heincker knows what it takes to win and knows that there are some pressures that go around whenever you do win all the time.
“Pressure is a privilege, but it can be a tough privilege to navigate,” Heincker said. “After you have success the internal pressure to do it again can sometimes overcome the focus of growth. We are fortunate to have a culture of growth that our girls can point to and relieve some of that pressure.”
Per usual, the Derby Panthers had an excellent wrestling season. The girls won the AVCTL I title, and the boys took second.
“Our girls program has been outstanding since the inception of girls wrestling,” Heincker said. “We have won our league each of the four years that it has been in existence. Our girls have never lost a dual, so this year we wanted to challenge them. We had the opportunity to dual this year’s 5A state champions in Kapaun and came away with a hard-fought victory. We still have work to do to chase state championships, but as a program we are continuing to grow each year.”
