It is once again, my pleasure to introduce the top ten and honorable mention wrestlers in the Kansas Class of 2018.
Jace Koelzer after winning a Cadet Greco-Roman title in Fargo in 2016 (Photo/John Sachs, Tech-Fall.com)1. Jace Koelzer (Olathe South)
Projected High School Weight Class: 126
Projected College Weight Class: 125
Analysis: In 2017, Koelzer joined the group of elite Kansas wrestlers to earn six Fargo All-American finishes. After winning a Fargo Cadet National title and a USAW Folkstyle Nationals title in 2016, he jumped to the Junior division at Fargo and placed in both styles. As a veteran on our national dual teams, his mental tenacity and non-stop motor have served as the example to follow for his teammates. He verbally committed to Northern Colorado.
Words from the corner: "Jace has been a program changer. He is one of the most mentally tough wrestlers I've ever worked with. He is a top-notch student, fierce competitor, great leader, and a wonderful young man. On the mat, I would describe Jace as a technician with a gas tank. He keeps an incredible pace at all times, scores with a wide range of attacks on his feet, and is a hammer on top. Jace has over 100 wins through three seasons, has won a state title and finished third, a six-time Fargo All-American and NHSCA Junior Nationals champion. Jace is going to make a difference in college."
-- Head coach Conor Fitzgerald
2. Jalin Harper (Manhattan)
Projected High School Weight Class: 160/170
Projected College Weight Class: 165
Analysis: Harper has a career record of 119-11 with 78 pins. He is a three-time state placer, winning a state title in 2017. While being a relative newcomer to Olympic styles, he has made huge strides winning a freestyle state championship, a Southern Plains Greco-Roman championship and finished the season in Fargo as a Junior Freestyle All-American. Every time Harper has wrestled on my dual teams, his high character and passion make him stand out among the crowd. His length and body style has college coaches swarming all over him.
Words from the corner: "Jalin has been a fierce competitor for MHS since his first challenge bout against a returning state runner-up. He displays strength with his team-first leadership skills and has a strong moral character. Jalin is a community leader with his volunteer skills at youth programs, and a role model with his high academic standing. Jalin is a multi-sport athlete, a three-year starter and letter winner in wrestling and football and one year in baseball. With his excellent classroom work, he would be a prize recruit for any college program."
-- Head coach Robert Gonzales
3. Marcus Robinson (Arkansas City)
Projected High School Weight Class: 138
Projected College Weight Class: 133/141
Analysis: Robinson has his sights on his fourth state championship with a career 119-21 record. His high school career is filled with highlight reel scrambles with his speed and agility topping the charts. He also excels in the classroom, which has moved him up the list of notable prospects on the national level.
Words from the corner: "Marcus Robinson will be trying to become Arkansas City High School's fourth four-time state wrestling champion. Marcus has put himself in this position through hard work and a willingness to do what it takes to succeed. Marcus is a true student of wrestling. He studies film not only of himself, but the world's best wrestlers. He then spends countless hours drilling, wrestling, conditioning and strength training. Marcus will be a great leader for the Arkansas City High School wrestling team this year on and off the wrestling mat. He is still undecided as to where he will continue his wrestling and academic future, but whichever college he chooses, will be getting a gem."
-- Head coach Greg Buckbee
4. Jevon Parrish (Olathe North)
Projected High School Weight Class: 138
Projected College Weight Class: 133/141
Analysis: Parrish has a career record of 121-19, is a three-time state placer, winning a state title in 2017 with a 35-1 record through a very tough schedule. He splashed onto the national scene with a runner-up finish at the UWW Cadet World Team Trials in 2017. His pure athleticism makes him a crowd pleaser!
Words from the corner: "Jevon exemplifies all the traits you want to see in a young man. He works hard in the classroom and earns high grades. He leads by example on the football field in the fall. In fact, he is willing to play anywhere on the field to help the team. Once winter hits Jevon kicks into another gear. His work ethic in the wrestling room is second to none. Every drill every live wrestling match is 110 percent. You cannot tell if he's ahead, behind or a good or bad day with Jevon. He has one gear … and that's all in."
-- Head coach Josh Carroll
5. Jake Beeson (Arkansas City)
Projected High School Weight Class: 145
Projected College Weight Class: 141/149
Analysis: With a career record of 116-20, Beeson may be the most athletically gifted wrestlers in Kansas. He finished 42-2 last year, winning a state title while sharpening himself through one of the toughest schedules. If you spend any time with this kid, you walk away knowing he loves to compete. College coaches take notice. His upside is unlimited.
Words from the corner: "Jake Beeson is one of the most naturally talented wrestlers Arkansas City High School has ever seen. Jake understands his body and wrestling and has the ability to put himself in great positions. This natural ability teamed with his willingness to work hard and learn has made Jake a privilege to coach. Jake will be vying for his fourth state medal and second high school state championship this year, to go along with many other accolades, including seven kids state championships, two Kansas Triple Crowns, and a Tulsa National title to name a few."
-- Head coach Greg Buckbee
6. Michael Spangler (Kapaun Mt. Carmel)
Projected High School Weight Class: 120
Projected College Weight Class: 125
Analysis: On the heels of a stellar kids career, Spangler entered high school almost 15 pounds below the lowest class. The last two years he has surpassed even some of the highest projections. He is 77-5 over that time with two state titles and is a two-time USAW Folkstyle Nationals All-American. His skills on his feet put him on the top shelf in the nation for technicians.
Words from the corner: "Michael is an extremely hard worker. He epitomizes a team player as he wrestled 113 and even 120 as a 106-pounder just to help in duals. He is very explosive on his feet with a variety of offensive attacks and continues to work in the offseason to get better."
-- Head coach Tim Dryden
7. Conner Ward (Mill Valley)
Projected High School Weight Class: 145
Projected College Weight Class: 141
Analysis: Ward is a three-time state finalist with a career 113-14 record and a USAW folkstyle All-American in 2016. As a veteran of many of our national dual teams, some of my most memorable matches are his. With an endless gas tank, he can always be counted on by his teammates. Nobody likes to lose, but this kid HATES to lose. Any college coach is going to love him.
Words from the corner: "Conner is a young man that has a great passion for the sport of wrestling. He seeks out the toughest training and competition opportunities to help him improve to be the best he can be. His positive attitude and strong work ethic have helped him achieve at a high level on and off the mat."
-- Head coach Travis Keal
8. Garrett Lange (Goddard)
Projected High School Weight Class: 160
Projected College Weight Class: 157
Analysis: Lange has a career record of 114-19 while standing on the podium all three years. He won a state title in 2017 and was a USAW Cadet folkstyle All-American in 2015. He has been a great contributor to our national dual teams and has left me with many memories of his battles on the mat.
Words from the corner: "Garrett has matured over the past couple years and become a great asset to our program. He wrestles very physical and has continued to work hard this summer to finish his high school career on a high note. Garrett plans on attending Cowley Community College and wrestling there."
-- Head coach Brett Means
9. Nick Jouret (Olathe South)
Projected High School Weight Class: 182
Projected College Weight Class: 174
Analysis: With a career record of 126-17, Jouret finished third as a freshman and again as a sophomore before winning a state title in 2017. He looks to shatter the 150-win mark and add to his 2015 folkstyle All-American finish. This kid is fun to watch and will make any college program better.
Words from the corner: "Nick Jouret is a coach's dream. No matter where we go, Nick is one of the most impressive athletes in the gym. The star quarterback shines on both the gridiron and the mat for Olathe South. On the mat, I would describe Nick as explosive -- and his arsenal of attacks continues to evolve and improve. Nick's potential in college is through the roof. He's an elite level athlete with room to grow, and he's one of the most coachable kids I've ever worked with."
-- Head coach Conor Fitzgerald
10. Christopher Ball (Hoisington)
Projected High School Weight Class: 152
Projected College Weight Class: 149
Analysis: Ball is a three-time state finalist and two-time champion with a 119-9 career record. He is also a talented track athlete, picking up three state medals this past year with his specialty in the pole vault, placing in the top four every season. He comes from a family of elite wrestlers and has that rare character that was obvious the first time I met him.
Words from the corner: "Chris is a leader in the wrestling room and is an outstanding student in the classroom, having been almost a perfect 4.0 student to date. He shows exceptional class in both winning and losing and he is very active in church, serving as a counselor at some of the Christian camps during the summer. Christopher Ball is just a great kid to have in any school. I feel extremely lucky to have had the opportunity to get to coach him."
-- Head coach Dan Schmidt
Honorable Mention:
Austin Andres (Goddard)
Chris Cox (Oakley)
Cordel Duhart (Blue Valley Southwest)
Terrell Garraway (Olathe North)
Ryan Johnson (Norton)
Tate Steele (Lawrence Free State)
Riley Tubbs (Wabaunsee)
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