Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association

Episode 134: 2025 Hall of Fame induction speeches

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 12:41:06 +0000

Meet the 2025 KWCA Hall of Fame class
1:00 - Billy Johnson. Intro by Shane Miller
25:30 - Bill Ross. Intro by Kelly Heinecker
56:45 - Jacob Klein. Intro by Bubba Wright

Episode 132: Hartwell Taylor - KWCA College Senior Wrestler of the Year for NAIA

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 03 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Meet Hartwell Taylor, 2025 College Senior Wrestler of the Year for NAIA. Taylor made history in 2024 by wining the NAIA national title, becoming the first from the University of Saint Mary. He went on to earn his second All-American honor last spring with a fourth-place finish at nationals. Also hear from Taylor's coach at St. Mary, Chuck Kearney.

Episode 131: Brian Malm - 321A Administrator of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 01 Oct 2025 10:00:00 +0000

After a long career as a teacher and coach, Brian Malm moved on to administration. He continues to use his coaching skills in his new role and has been named KWCA 321A Administrator of the Year for 2025.

Episode 127: Sara Lake - 2025 KWCA College Senior Wrestler of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 29 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Sara Lake of Piper High School was among the first state champions in Kansas history after KSHSAA sanctioned girls wrestling. She went on to become a three-time All-American at Lindenwood University. Hear from Sara and her college coach Frank Yattoni

Episode 129: Ross Taplin - USAWKS District 3 Youth Coach of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 26 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

From success as an athlete at the high school and college levels to running one of the most successful clubs in the state, Ross Taplin's efforts have paid off.

Episode 130: Paul Lappin - KWCA 6A Coach of the Year for both boys and girls

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 24 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Paul Lappin completed his first year as head coach at Garden City in 2025, but came in with a wealth of experience. He has the Buffalos on the track he helped build and maintain as long-time assistant on Carlos Prieto's staff.

Episode 123: Nathan Broeckelman - KWCA President

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 22 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Nathan Broeckelman is finishing out his term as KWCA president. The Barton County Community College head coach jumps on to fill us in on what to expect from this year's clinic.

Episode 126: Dylan Eck - 2025 KWCA Official of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Dylan Eck is one of the most visible and most respected officials on the circuit today. The KWCA has recognized his efforts with the 2025 Official of the Year award.

Episode 128: Leiannah Landreth - Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award winner for Kansas

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 17 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Leiannah Landreth, winner of the Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award for Kansas, put together an outstanding high school career that included four top-three finishes at state including a state title as a senior. Additionally, the Mulvane High grad was a force on Team Kansas during high school. Hear from Leiannah and her high school coach Jesse Myers.

Episode 124: Jacob Klein - 2025 KWCA Hall of Fame inductee

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 15 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Jacob Klein won three state titles while representing Kapaun Mt. Carmel before earning two All-American honors at the University of Nebraska. Hear from Jacob, his high school coach Tim Dryden, and his college coach, Mark Manning.

Episode 122: Neil Erisman - Headliner for 2025 KWCA Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

From its humble beginnings, Neil Erisman has developed the University of Arkansas at Little Rock program into a winner. The Kansas native will be back on his home soil to serve as the headliner for the 2025 KWCA Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic.

Episode 121: Bill Ross - 2025 KWCA Hall of Fame inductee

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Bill Ross helped Derby to state titles in 2019 and 2023. His twenty-eight year career also included time as head coach at Sebetha. Hall of Famers Wayne Jackson, Gary 'Pudge' Wilson, and Gary Harding were part of his development as a wrestler and coach.

Episode 120: Jason Puderbaugh - 2025 Coach of the Year for 5A Boys

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Jason Puderbaugh has the Basehor-Linwood program headed in the right direction. The Bobcats are coming off a third-place finish at state and have all of their state points returning. The school also has a top-notch girl's team and has a club program that is the largest in the state.

Episode 125: Wyatt Hendrickson - 2025 KWCA Senior Wrestler of the Year for NCAA DI

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Newton's Wyatt Hendrickson shocked the wrestling world when he defeated Olympic Champion, Gable Steveson at the 2025 NCAA championships. Hear from Wyatt and a few of his coaches that had a hand in his development.
Tyler Caldwell - Start 0:00
Tommy Edgmon - Start 6:28
Matt Treaster - Start 10:25
Wyatt Hendrickson - Start 16:27

Episode 119: Bill Johnson - 2025 KWCA Hall of Fame inductee

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 03 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Hall of Fame inductee, Bill Johnson, accumulated eleven state championships while coaching at Norton. Prior to his coaching career, he was a four-time All-American and 1987 NAIA national champion for Ft. Hays State.

Episode 118: Taye Wilson - 2025 KWCA 4A Boys WOY and Dave Schultz Award Winner

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Wilson was named 4A boys senior Wrestler of the Year as well as the Dave Schultz award winner for Kansas. The three-time state champion is currently enrolled at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Episode 117: 2024 KWCA Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic - Hall of Fame Speeches

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 00:11:31 +0000

We’ve come to the end of another successful KWCA Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic weekend capped off with the Hall of Fame banquet. What follows is the hall of fame speeches emceed by Doug Broadfoot of Hesston High School. Honored first is Mike Church (1:00), followed by Dusty Rhodes (4:15), John Flores (21:00), and Buel Patterson (30:40). As always, thanks for your support and thanks for listening.

Episode 116: 2024 KWCA Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic - Nicole Redmond 6A-5A WOY

Patrick Kelly — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 12:53:23 +0000

Meet Nicole Redmond, 2024 KWCA 6A-5A Senior Wrestler of the Year

Episode 115: 2024 KWCA Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic - NAIA Senior Wrestlers of the Year - Isaiah Luellan and Owen Braungardt

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

NAIA Senior Wrestlers of the Year, Isaiah Luellan (Rossville) and Owen Braungardt (Winfield) were par of the Grandview University program that won it's twelfth national title last spring. The pair jump on to talk about their experiences. Former Rossville head coach Curt Brechiesen and former Winfield head coach and current Ark City head coach Nick McGrew along with Grandview head coach, Nick Mitchell also joint the podcast.

Episode 114: 2024 KWCA Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic - Travis Scheele, Official of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Longtime official at both the high school and college level, Travis Scheele, has worked numerous high school and college national tournaments. He is one of the most respected officials in the state and is being recognized by the KWCA as its 2024 Official of the Year.

Episode 112: 2024 KWCA Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic - Terry Steiner - 2024 clinic headliner

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

The KWCA is excited to have USA Wrestling Head Women's coach, Terry Steiner, at this year's clinic to serve as the clinic's headliner. Steiner is fresh off a record-setting performance at the Paris Olympics where Team USA brought home two golds, a silver and a bronze.

Episode 111: 2024 KWCA Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic - Buel Patterson - Hall of Fame honoree

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Buel "Pat" Patterson will be posthumously inducted into the KWCA Hall of Fame this year. National champion at Oklahoma A&M, head coach at three NCAA DI schools over a forty-one year span, and among his contributions to Kansas wrestling was establishing the Kansas high school State tournament in 1930.

Episode 110: 2024 KWCA Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic - Jay Johnston 6A-5A COY

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

Jay Johnston has built a girl's wrestling program that is contender year in and year out at Basehor-Linwood High School. He is a tireless promoter and is a model of professionalism. He was named KWCA 5A-6A Coach of the Year for 2024.

Episode 113: 2024 KWCA Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic - Nathan Broeckelman - KWCA President

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 16 Sep 2024 10:00:00 +0000

KWCA President Nathan Broeckelman of Barton Community College fills us in on fall clinic happenings.

Episode 109: Hunter Mullin - 2023 NCAA DII Senior Wrestler of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 15 May 2024 16:13:15 +0000

Clay Center's Hunter Mullin was named 2023 NCAA DII Senior Wrestler of the Year after his outstanding career at Western Colorado University. Coach Mullin recently completed his first year of coaching and teaching at Cabot High School in Arkansas. The Panthers won the 2024 boys 6A State Championship.

Episode 108: 2023 KWCA 321A Senior Wrestler of the Year Derek Johnson

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 11 Dec 2023 02:50:50 +0000

Hear from 321A Senior Wrestler of the Year, Derek Johnson. Also joining in is Hoxie High School Head Coach Mike Porsch and Saint Cloud State University skipper, Steve Costanzo

Episode 107: 2023 Tanner Hitchcock - KWCA College Senior Wrestler of the Year for NCAA DII

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 14:39:24 +0000

Tanner Hitchcock was a four-time State medalist and two-time Champion for Pittsburg and Bonner Springs, then went on to compete at Lindenwood University where he became a NCAA DII All-American. He was named 2023 KWCA NCAA DII Senior Wrestler of the Year. Hear from Tanner and his high school and college coaches.

Episode 106: 2023 KWCA Hall of Fame speeches

Patrick Kelly — Tue, 10 Oct 2023 03:10:15 +0000

Tyler Caldwell :10, Andy Niemczyk 4:50, Travis Keal 22:10, Doug Vander Linden 34:45

Episode 105: Luke Barker - 2023 6A Wrestler of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Dodge City's Luke Barker completed his career at Dodge City High School with three State titles and four appearances in the finals. He is currently a freshman at North Dakota State University

Episode 104: Brandon Terry - 4A Coach of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 09:00:00 +0000

Brandon Terry of Augusta coached his second trophy team in a row when his charges finished in third-place in the 2023 4A State tourney.

Episode 103: Carlos Prieto - 6A Boys Coach of the Year and 5A-6A Girls Coach of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Tue, 03 Oct 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Carlos Prieto has a good thing going in Garden City. In 2023 both boys and girls teams fiished as State Runner-up

Episode 102: Marcus Terry - KWCA 4A Senior Wrestler of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 02 Oct 2023 11:36:42 +0000

Hear from 2023 4A Wrestler of the Year, Marcus Terry. The Augusta grad is now a freshman at Northeast Oklahoma A & M

Episode 101: Doug Vander Linden - 2023 KWCA Hall of Fame inductee

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 29 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Doug Vander Linden worked tirelessly to build his program at Burlington High School and worked just as hard for the betterment of wrestling in the entire state of Kansas. Doug lost his battle with cancer and related complications last year. His son Michael comes on to reflect on his father's legacy.

Episode 100: Tyler Caldwell - 2023 KWCA Hall of Fame inductee

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 27 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Tyler Caldwell is in the conversation of one of the best ever from the Sunflower State. The four-time State Champion and four-time DI All-American was also a University World Champion. He is now assistant at one of the blue bloods of college wrestling, Oklahoma State University. Also hear from his high school coach Brett Means of Goddard.

Episode 99: Travis Keal - 2023 KWCA Hall of Fame inductee

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 25 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Under the direction of Travis Keal, the Mill Valley program was started from scratch and became a perennial state contender. In 2020 the program brought home the 6A State Championship after several top ten finishes. For his efforts, Keal has been named a 2023 KWCA Hall of Fame inductee. Also hear from legendary coach Jody Thompson, who was Keal's college coach at Labette Community College

Episode 98: Cade Hewitt

Patrick Kelly — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Cade Hewitt, State Runner-up and 2009 graduate of Beloit High School, is the new head coach at his alma mater. Listen to this bonus episode following that of his coach, 2023 Hall of Fame inductee Andy Niemczyk

Episode 97: Andy Niemczyk - 2023 KWCA Hall of Fame inductee

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 22 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

Andy Niemczyk has an interesting story to tell after a Hall of Fame career at Beloit High School.

Episode 96: Mike Porsch - 321A Coach of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 20 Sep 2023 10:00:00 +0000

The Hoxie Indians put together a 2022-23 season! The 260 team points at State is an All-Class/All-Time record. Coach Porsch has had a lifetime of association with the program and has seen the fruits of his labor paying off in recent years. The team will be attempting to win their fourth championship in a row in 2024.

Episode 95: Nick Treaster - KWCA 5A WOY, Dave Schultz for KS and Lyle Neville Award winner

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:12:07 +0000

After winning his fourth State Championship, Nick Treaster swept the major post-season awards.... 5A Wrestler of the Year, Dave Schultz award for Kansas, and the Lyle Neville award. Treaster became one of forty four-time State Champions in Kansas and one of only five families in the nation that have had a father/son four-time combination.

Episode 94: Nate Naasz - KWCA President

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 15 Sep 2023 15:08:47 +0000

KWCA President Nate Naasz comes on to promote the upcoming Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic.

Episode 93: 2022 KWCA Hall of Fame speeches

Patrick Kelly — Sun, 09 Oct 2022 16:03:30 +0000

Hear from the 2022 KWCA Hall of Fame class; Mike Garcia (start 2:20), Kendric Maple (start 8:50), and Tim Serbousek (start 11:40)

Episode 88: Mike Garcia - 2022 KWCA Hall of Fame inductee

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 09:00:00 +0000

Mike Garcia was a State Champion, NCAA D2 Champion, and Coached State Champion teams in Oklahoma and Kansas. He is a 2022 KWCA Hall of Fame inductee. Listen in as he recaps his competitive and coaching career.

Episode 87: Kendric Maple - 2022 KWCA Hall of Fame inductee

Patrick Kelly — Tue, 04 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Current Mizzou Associate Head Coach Kendric Maple joins the program. The two-time State Champion at Wichita Heights and NCAA Champion at the University of Oklahoma went on to compete at the international level and came out of retirement last spring to capture the US Open title. He is a 2022 KWCA Hall of Fame inductee.

Episode 92: Tim Serbousek - 2022 KWCA Hall of Fame inductee

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 03 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Tim Serbousek s grew up in Iowa, made his way to the Kansas City area, and carved out a thirty-six year career of it in the Blue Valley district. He will be inducted into the KWCA Hall of Fame during the banquet on October 8th in Salina.

Episode 91: Tate Thompson - 2022 KWCA Coach of the Year (Girls 4A-321A)

Patrick Kelly — Sun, 02 Oct 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Meet Tate Thompson, 2022 KWCA Coach of the Year for Girls 4A-321A. He was also named NWCA National Coach of the Year for Girls Wrestling.

Episode 89: Bethany Bowman - 2022 Media of the Year award winner

Patrick Kelly — Sat, 01 Oct 2022 13:21:57 +0000

Bethany Bowman works tirelessly to highlight the scores and personalities for all sports across the state of Kansas through her work with the Sports-in-Kansas media outlet. Listen to her interesting story from high school and college athlete to sports journalist.

Episode 90: Madyson Gray - KWCA Senior Wrestler of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 30 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

Meet Madyson Gray, the 2022 Senior Wrestler of the Year in the 5A/6A Girls Division. Madyson is a 3X State Champion and is now enrolled at Grandview University.

Episode 86: Brandon Slay - Headliner for the 2022 KWCA Fritz Knor Fall Clinic

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 28 Sep 2022 09:00:00 +0000

2000 Olympic Champion Brandon Slay is one of the most high-profile wrestling coaches in the United States. He recently returned from Belgrade, Serbia where he helped guide none other than Jordan Burroughs to his seventh World and Olympic Gold. The Executive Director and Head Coach of the Pennsylvania Regional Training Center will serve as the headliner for the 2022 KWCA Fritz Knor Fall Clinic.

Episode 85: Nate Naasz - KWCA President

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 26 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +0000

KWCA President Nate Naasz checks in to fill us in on the 2022 Fritz Knor Fall Clinic.

Episode 84: Alan Clothier - College Senior Wrestler of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Sun, 25 Sep 2022 00:49:45 +0000

After an outstanding high school career at Lawrence High, Alan Clothier went on to become a four-time NCAA D1 qualifier for Appalachian State University and the University of Northern Colorado. He has begun his coaching career at Buffalo University.

Episode 83: AJ Cooper - 2022 Senior College Wrestler of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 21 Sep 2022 02:30:25 +0000

AJ Cooper finished his career at Ft. Hays State University as a two-time All-American. Those accomplishments earned him 2022 KWCA Senior Wrestler of the Year honors. Cimarron High School Head Coach Lance Walker and Forth Hays State University Head Coach Erik Wince also join in.

Episode 82: Marty Verhaeghe - 2022 KWCA Senior Wrestler of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Sat, 17 Sep 2022 20:07:06 +0000

Listen in as Marty Verhaeghe recounts his career; which ended in March with All-American honors for the Ft. Hays State University Tigers. Verhaeghe's high school coach, Cody Parks and his college coach, Eric Wince also join in.

Episode 81: Doug Vander Linden Memorial Service

Patrick Kelly — Tue, 16 Aug 2022 06:00:00 +0000

Longtime Burlington High School Head Coach Doug Vander Linden was laid to rest yesterday after a long battle with cancer and other complications. Doug was loved and respected throughout the state and known nationally for his work on policy and promotion of the sport of wrestling. Most recently, he was instrumental in helping the Kansas State high School Athletic Association to sanction girls wrestling.

His memorial service was a humbling and heart-warming event. Attendees were greeted with a full parking lot at Burlington High School on a Sunday afternoon and a reception line that started thirty deep outside of the building and snaked its way through the school’s entryway into the spacious wrestling room where Doug had spend so many hours molding young lives.

In addition to this podcast, I would encourage you to seek out postings on social media, including the Sports in Kansas article by Bethany Bowman and Conor Nicholl which can be found at sportsinks.com. The outpouring of support for the family and messages of how impactful Doug was is impressive.

What follows is an audio recording of the reflection portion of the memorial service. Shawnee Heights coach Chad Parks serves as the emcee.

Episode 80: 2021 KWCA Hall of Fame inductee speeches

Patrick Kelly — Sun, 10 Oct 2021 17:46:35 +0000

2021 KWCA Hall of Fame inductee speeches; 2:00 – Rick Langerot, 6:10 - Wayne Petterson, 41:20 – Bob Gonzales.

Episode 79: Todd Kahler - 2021 KWCA Official of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 01:40:48 +0000

Todd Kahler - 2021 KWCA Official of the Year

Episode 78: Jared Simma - 2021 Dave Schultz Award winner

Patrick Kelly — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Jared Simma has some impressive credentials... 4X Fargo All-American, 4X State Finalist and 2X Champ, Folkstyle National Champion. It is no surprise that the UNI Panther recruit is the 2021 Dave Schultz Award winner for the state of Kansas.

Episode 78: Carl Laughlin - 2021 KWCA Middle School Coach of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 04 Oct 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Coach Laughlin has spent his entire thirty year career at Junction City Middle School. The program is know for its large roster size and for its consistent success.

Episode 77: Jordyn Knect - 2021 KWCA D2 Wrestler of the Year and Tricia Saunders Award Winner for KS

Patrick Kelly — Sun, 03 Oct 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Knect has been one of the most recognized female wrestlers in the State of Kansas for several years. She finished with two State Titles and a 66-0 record for the past two seasons.

Episode 77: Erik Wince - Presenter at the 2021 KWCA Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic

Patrick Kelly — Sat, 02 Oct 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Coach Wince is entering his second season as Head Coach for the Tigers. He will be taking a session at this year's fall clinic.

Episode 77: Gus Davis - 2021 KWCA 6A Wrestler of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 01 Oct 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Meet Gus Davis... The guy won a State Championship on a torn ACL! That's only part of this young man's story. Get fill in on what the Grandview University freshman is up to.

Episode 77: Steve Bushnell - 2021 KWCA D1 Administrator of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Thu, 30 Sep 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Most know Bushnell as the nine-time State Championship coach of the Seaman Baseball program. After twenty-two season, he stepped in to a new role, that of Athletic Director at Seaman. The 2012 KWCA Middle School Coach of the Year and State Medalist during his high school days at Sumner Academy, used his strong wrestling background to launch the Girls program at Seaman in 2020-21.

Episode 76: Kit Harris - 2021 KWCA D2 Coach of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Nobody works harder at it than Baldwin's Kit Harris! The Head Coach of the 2021 D2 State Championship team adds that title to the Boys 4A title from 2015. For his efforts, he has been named 2021 KWCA D2 Coach of the Year.

Episode 75: Damon Parker - 2021 KWCA 6A COY and KCA COY

Patrick Kelly — Sat, 25 Sep 2021 06:00:00 +0000

With Gold on both the Boys and Girls side, it was State Title #3 for Washburn Rural and its Head Coach, Damon Parker. The former 2X State Champion at Manhattan High School has been named the 6A Coach of the Year for the Boys and the Kansas Coaches Association Coach of the Year, essentially as the overall COY for the State in the sport of Wrestling for the 2020-21 season.

Episode 75: Aaron Meister - Friends University Head Coach

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 24 Sep 2021 06:00:00 +0000

The newly minted Head Coach at Friends University will be presenting at the 2021 KWCA Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic. The Holton native was coaching at Wayland Baptist in Texas prior to his appointment at Friends.

Episode 74: Brett Means - 5A KWCA Coach of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Thu, 23 Sep 2021 07:00:00 +0000

Brett Means of Goddard High School won his tenth State Championship at the helm of the Lions program in 2021. He is the KWCA 5A Coach of the Year. His history includes a State Championship for Goddard, an All-American finish at Labette Community College (the first in the program's history), and an All-American finish at the NCAA D2 level at Southern Illinois-Edwardsville. He was an assistant on the 2006 team the won a State Title, then took the program over and helped its star continue to rise... he is now TEN State Titles in to his tenure as Head Coach.

Episode 73: Doug Eck - 4A KWCA Coach of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 22 Sep 2021 13:57:15 +0000

The Andale Wrestling program is a force year in and year out. They have four State Championships to their credit, but before the 2021 Title had not won one since 2012. Coach Eck comes on to talk about the Title and jumping in to the high school heading coaching position.

Episode 72: Rick Langerot - KWCA Hall of Fame inductee

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 13 Sep 2021 20:09:02 +0000

Rick Langerot was named to the KWCA Hall of Fame in 2020, but due to the pandemic the recognition banquet was cancelled. Listen in as the Hall of Famer recollects on a four-decades long career in the sport.

Episode 71: Wayne Petterson - 2021 KWCA Hall of Fame inductee

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 08 Sep 2021 13:49:45 +0000

Coach Pete is entering the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association Hall of Fame! Listen as he recaps his career.

Episode 70: Bob Gonzales - KWCA Hall of Fame inductee

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 14:16:36 +0000

Bob Gonzales spent 44 years in the corner. His longevity and accolades are impressive. Hear from the 2021 KWCA Hall of Fame inductee!

Episode 69: Troy Nickerson - 2021 KWCA Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic Headliner

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 01 Sep 2021 12:47:18 +0000

Meet Coach Troy Nickerson, Head Coach at the University of Northern Colorado. He will serve as the headliner for the 2021 Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic

Episode 68: Doug Vander Linden - KWCA President

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 02:17:40 +0000

KWCA President Doug Vander Linden joins the program to talk about the upcoming 2021 Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic

Episode 67: Bailey Kelly - 2021 KWCA NCAA D2 Senior College Wrestler of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 04:27:47 +0000

NCAA D2 Senior College Wrestler of the Year, Bailey Kelly, joins the program. Before Bailey jumps on, hear from his college coach, the legendary Mike Denney

Episode 66: Colby Johnson - NAIA Senior Wrestler of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 21:13:33 +0000

Meet 2021 Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association Senior Wrestler of the Year for the NAIA, Colby Johnson. The 2017 Burlington High School graduate translated his success in high school to greater success at the national level at Baker University. Also hear from Baker Head Coach, Cody Garcia.

Episode 65: Logan Treaster - 2021 KWCA Senior Wrestler of the Year for NCAA D1

Patrick Kelly — Sun, 20 Jun 2021 18:26:35 +0000

Logan Treaster finished his time at the US Naval Academy as a 2021 EIWA Runner-up and NCAA Qualifier. The 2021 Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association NCAA D1 Senior Wrestler of the Year will be continuing his studies in Medical School at the University of Kansas.

Doug Vander Linden - KWCA President

Patrick Kelly — Thu, 01 Oct 2020 01:18:09 +0000

Join in on the 2020 KWCA Fritz Knorr Virtual Fall Clinic! President Doug Vander Linden of Burlington High School will fill you in on the line-up and how to get registered.

2020 4A COY Andy Albright of Chanute High School

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 23 Sep 2020 21:39:00 +0000

Since 2004 Andy Albright has toiled away as Chanute's Head Coach in search of the top spot in Kansas 4A Wrestling. At the 2020 State Tournament, the Blue Comets left little doubt when they finished 57 point in front of Runner-up and defending State Champion Marysville.

Damon Parker - KWCA Girls Coach of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 21 Sep 2020 19:53:16 +0000

The Junior Blues of Washburn Rural High School won the inaugural Girls State Championship last February. In today's program we catch up with Head Coach Damon Parker, who was named 2020 KWCA Girls Coach of the Year.

Mitch Beims - kansashswrestling.com

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 16:19:27 +0000

After a successful career on the mat as a wrestler and coach, Mitch Beims became an administrator and is now in the private sector. He, however, continues to make great contributions to the Kansas Wrestling community through his website, kansashswrestling.com. The site houses high school state placings for individual, teams, and coaches dating back to 1930. Also included are All-American finishes at the collegiate level. The site is well-organized and easy to navigate. The site is a ‘must-bookmark’ for any Kansas Wrestling enthusiast and a model for other states to adapt.

Billy Johnson - 321A Coach of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Thu, 13 Aug 2020 21:47:55 +0000

A little bit of everything in this one! Coach Johnson of Norton Community High School is one of the most accomplished active coaches at the high school level in any sport in the state of Kansas. Interesting backstory and incredible recap of the 2019-20 season. Have a listen!

Spangler and Beeson - 2020 NJCAA National Champions!

Patrick Kelly — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 02:37:56 +0000

In this special edition, we catch up with National Champions Michael Spangler and Jake Beeson and their coach, Ken Kepley. The Pratt Community College duo will be attempting to defend their National Titles in 2021.

Elisa Robinson - 2020 Tricia Saunders Award winner for KS

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 21:29:43 +0000

Elisa Robinson has been selected as the prestigious Tricia Saunders High School Excellence Award winner for Kansas. Coach Tyler Gonzales comes on to tell us a little about the Junction City State Champion.

Travis Keal - 2020 KWCA 6A Coach of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 27 Jul 2020 16:36:13 +0000

After twenty season building a power program, Coach Keal and the Mill Valley Jags broke through with the first State Wrestling Championship in school history.

Nicole Moore - 2020 Senior Girls Wrestler of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Tue, 21 Jul 2020 02:03:29 +0000

Nikki Moore has been a mainstay on the Team Kansas roster for the past several years. Her senior season was a dream come true when KSHSAA sanctioned girls wrestling. The Nickerson High School grad currently holds the all time wins record at her school and will forever be its first girl's wrestling State Champion!

Erik Wince - Head Coach, Ft. Hays State University

Patrick Kelly — Sun, 19 Jul 2020 16:51:17 +0000

Erik Wince brings his vast competition and coaching experience to Ft. Hays State University, where he will take over as the fourteenth Head Coach in the sixty-five-year history of the program.

Cade Lautt - 2020 5A WOW and Dave Schultz Award Winner

Patrick Kelly — Thu, 16 Jul 2020 15:56:05 +0000

Meet Cade Lautt, 2020 KWCA 5A Senior Wrestler of the Year and the Dave Schultz Award Winner for Kansas. The nationally-ranked strongman is headed to the University of North Carolina to compete for the Heels.

KWCA Podcast – College Senior Wrestler of the Year, Brandon Ball

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 16:03:00 +0000

The Hoisington High 4X State Champion and 3X D2 AA at Ft. Hays is heading to Maize High School where he will teach Industrial Tech and coach. Hear from Brandon as well as his high school coach, Dan Schmidt and his college coach, Chas Thompson.

KWCA Podcast – College Senior Wrestler of the Year, Lucas Lovvorn

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 19 Jun 2020 22:57:40 +0000

The Holton native put together a career at Baker University that is one for the history books. Hear from Lucas as well as his high school coach, Cully Jackson and his college coach, Cody Garcia.

KWCA Podcast - President Doug Vander Linden

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 08 May 2020 16:08:04 +0000

Burlington Head Coach and KWCA President comes on to discuss organization happenings and to announce who will be headlining the 2020 KWCA Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic

KWCA Podcast - 2019 Awards Banquet

Patrick Kelly — Tue, 08 Oct 2019 00:27:54 +0000

The 2019 Fritz Knorr Fall clinic concluded Saturday in Salina with the annual banquet to honor yearly award recipients and HOF inductees. Hear who won the yearly awards and hear the HOF inductee speeches. Jeff Giles (starts at the 6:45 mark), Jerry Fraser (starts at the 8:40 mark), Jon Lippelman (starts at the 15:20 mark)

KWCA Podcast - Jon Lippelman (KWCA Hall of Fame)

Patrick Kelly — Thu, 03 Oct 2019 10:23:03 +0000

Thirty-nine seasons in all, Thirty-three as head coach, 25 top 10 State finishes, eight State trophies, five State titles. All at Scott City High School. Meet KWCA Hall of Fame inductee, Jon Lippelman. This one is as entertaining as it is educational. I couldn’t make the following quotes up if I tried…

“They’d bet their apple pies and their pork loin sandwiches to see who had the toughest kid at that weight… and that’s what made dual wrestling back in the old days.”

“Back in those days, it was mop em up and throw em out there and just keep going to see if you could pin em or win by the final bell.”

“It’s alright to mess up, but that doesn’t mean anybody forgave you for it.”

“You would run into athletes that would make us poor little fat farm boys sit there with our mouth hang open just to watch em streak down the field and the fastest thing we had would only look like a puppy dog in the dirt chasing behind.”

“We’d open this book and we’d go to where Joe Seay was telling us how to get ahold of a single leg and put a man to the ground.”

“I knew in order to be successful in high school wrestling, you’re going to have to knock people down”

“A group is what makes State trophies.”

“… being able to practice without just going halfway. What we call ‘brother-in-lawing it.’ You’re going to have to learn to go hard, but enjoy it.”

“Sometimes maybe you stick a finger in people’s chest, but understand you have to have love to go along with the coaching direction that you’re using.”

“No matter which horse tank you go to you’re going to run out of water every once in a while and that doesn’t mean you give up, that means you get on the pump a little harder, but it’s going to take a little while to fill it up so you can have a team again and that’s just the way it works.”

“Leaving on a winner, it sure feels better than having the bully of the room throw you out the door and you have to say, ‘yea, but I did alright the day before.’ It’s always better to go out with the win.”

“My mum told me its sunny out there and you have to drink twice as much water or wear a hat, so by George, I wore a hat.”

Coach Rock Weldon: “I believe you’re wearing a hat.”
A high school Coach Lipp: “Well, so I am. Is that in the rule book?”
Coach Rocky Weldon: “I don’t know, I’ll have to look.”
“Ever since then, I have wore a wrestling cap to wrestling matches, weigh-ins, fancy award things, to NCAA tournament finals. It’s just what I am.”

“I either had to get away or I was going to be just like that cranky old Mother-in-law sitting in the corner saying ‘you can’t cook it that way, that aint how it’s done. You gotta do it the way we always done it.’ And so I got out of the picture…”

KWCA Podcast - Dina Giles (Wife of HOF inductee Jeff Giles)

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 13:51:44 +0000

Dina Giles joins the program. Her husband, Jeff, will be posthumously inducted into the KWCA Hall of Fame on Saturday when the 2019 KWCA Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic concludes with its annual awards banquet.

KWCA Podcast - Mike Porsch (321A Coach of the Year)

Patrick Kelly — Wed, 02 Oct 2019 01:29:10 +0000

Meet 321A Coach of the Year, Mike Porsch of Hoxie.

KWCA Podcast - Korbin Riedel (4A Senior Wrestler of the Year

Patrick Kelly — Tue, 01 Oct 2019 12:48:31 +0000

Meet 2019 KWCA 4A Senior Wrestler of the Year, Korbin Riedel. The Tonganoxie High grad is now enrolled at the University of Arkansas Little Rock.

KWCA Podcast - Nate Naasz (KWCA President)

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 30 Sep 2019 14:43:52 +0000

With the 2019 KWCA Fritz Knorr Fall Clinic only days away, President Nate Naasz fills us in on what attendees can expect from this year's annual event.

KWCA Podcast - Mark Lentz (KSHSAA Asst. Executive Director)

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 27 Sep 2019 02:13:50 +0000

A big thank-you to KSHSAA Assistant Executive Director Mark Lentz for coming on to address questions regarding girls wrestling and the new weigh-in change for the upcoming season.

KWCA Podcast – Bill Ross (6A Coach of the Year)

Patrick Kelly — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 13:26:11 +0000

You would be hard pressed to find a program in Kansas with a deeper history than Derby High School. The Panthers are led by 2019 6A Coach of the Year, Bill Ross. Ross broke through with a State Title last winter after a thirty-three year championship drought for the program. Coach Ross has historic numbers at the helm, having won NINE State trophies in his eighteen years as head coach. Only ONE Bill Ross team has finished outside of the top-ten at State.

KWCA Podcast – Cole Frederickson (4A Coach of the Year)

Patrick Kelly — Tue, 24 Sep 2019 14:55:58 +0000

The Bulldogs of Marysville High School have emerged this decade as an established power in Kansas 4A Wrestling under the direction of Cole Frederickson. The Dawgs broke through with their first State Wrestling title in 2019 and show no signs of slowing the pace. Frederickson has the club, middle school and high school programs on the same page and making noise in north central Kansas that is being heard throughout the state. For his efforts, he has been named 2019 KWCA 4A Coach of the Year.

KWCA Podcast - Tyler Mies (College Wrestler of the Year)

Patrick Kelly — Sun, 22 Sep 2019 13:51:40 +0000

Tyler Mies continued the success from his days at Andale High with success on the national stage at Newman University. His career as a Jet concluded last spring with a Super Regional Title and two All-American finishes. He joins Preston Wiegel in earning the honor of 2019 KWCA College Senior Wrestler of the Year.

KWCA Podcast - Jerry Fraser (Hall of Fame inductee)

Patrick Kelly — Fri, 20 Sep 2019 03:07:15 +0000

Meet Jerry Fraser, 2019 Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association (KWCA) Hall of Fame inductee. Fraser spent nineteen seasons as Clay Center Community High School Head Coach, where he built a successful program that included eight Regional Titles and a State Championship in 1981. He also spent time at Derby and Riley County. He played baseball at K-State and was introduced to wrestling by his college roommate, who was on a Fritz Knorr’s coached team. He was influenced by Tommy Chesbro and the OSU program, along with the philosophy of Vince Lombardi.

KWCA Podcast - Rick Peterson (Media of the Year)

Patrick Kelly — Mon, 16 Sep 2019 16:12:14 +0000

Topeka and northeast Kansas are lucky to have Rick Peterson of the Topeka Capital-Journal on the job supporting and recognizing its wrestling teams and individual athletes. For his efforts, Rick has been named 2019 KWCA Media of the Year award winner.