Kansas' top senior Kyle Haas wrestled Nick Feldman at Who's Number One (Photo/Sam Janicki, SJanickiPhoto.com)The Kansas Class of 2020 will be remembered for much more than the chaos that this year has brought us. Eleven wrestlers from that class signed with Division I programs, equaling the state's record 11 signees from 2018. This class of seniors have plowed through the strangest offseason in memory and are ready to carve their way into Kansas wrestling history. It is my pleasure to introduce to you, the Class of 2021.
1. Kyle Haas (Maize)
Anticipated High School Weight Class: 285
Anticipated College Weight Class: 197/285
Analysis: Haas heads this class in the rarified air of a No. 1 national ranking by many publications. He is a four-time national champion (two folkstyle, one freestyle and one Greco-Roman). He earned his way onto the U.S. cadet world team in both styles and carries a career 119-3 record into his senior season. A multiple-sport athlete and younger brother of NCAA All-American Tyler Caldwell, it has been no surprise that Haas has exceeded already high expectations. He has one more trail to blaze this year before heading to the mecca of college wrestling at Oklahoma State University.
Words from the corner: "Kyle has been an absolute pleasure to coach. He has encouraged teammates and has been a real leader for us. Wrestlers with his talent do not come around often and I'm looking forward to his encore season." -- Head wrestling coach Mike Schauer
2. Jared Simma (St. Thomas Aquinas)
Anticipated High School Weight Class: 182
Anticipated College Weight Class: 184
Analysis: With a 137-13 career record, Simma has spent three years piling up national hardware. He is a two-time Fargo All-American, a two-time NHSCA All-American and is ranked in the top 10 nationally. He has anchored many of Kansas' state dual teams and after receiving several offers, Simma will wrestle for the Panthers of Northern Iowa. I will not soon forget him as one of those wrestlers who, when asked to compete for the state traveling teams, has always responded, "I am in." Coach Schwab and the Panther faithful are going to love this kid.
Words from the corner: "Jared is a super talented young man that works harder than any high school kid I have ever coached at Aquinas or anywhere else. He knows what he wants, and he's determined to get it. He is a great team leader. He makes himself, his partners, and those who will follow better every day. Jared has dominated his opponents since day one as a freshman. He has the ability to accomplish great things at the D1 level. I will be one of his biggest fans and nothing will surprise me." - Head wrestling coach Eric Akin
3. Ethan Kremer (Mill Valley)
Anticipated High School Weight Class: 285
Anticipated College Weight Class: 285
Analysis: Ethan Kremer has been on a two-year rampage. On his way to two state titles and a podium finish at Fargo, he has racked up a 71-9 record and 97 total high school wins. Kremer led his high school to its first state championship. Not surprisingly, he has the interest of several football coaches and has the luxury of choosing sports!
Words from the corner: "Ethan is a multi-sport athlete who is a tremendous leader on and off the mat. His dedication, work ethic and attention to detail has produced great results at the state and national level." -- Head wrestling coach Travis Keal
4. Cayleb Atkins (Goddard)
Anticipated High School Weight Class: 160
Anticipated College Weight Class: 157
Analysis: Atkins has been a huge contributor to a Goddard program that has won six straight state titles. With 119 career high school wins and a podium All-America finish at Fargo in 2019, Atkins went 45-3 his junior year, losing a close 4-2 match to Simma in the finals. This kid is a pure technician that any college coach is going to love!
Words from the corner: "Cayleb is a determined leader in our room. He works tirelessly to become the best wrestler he can become. He will be successful in life/wrestling due to his work ethic and propensity to never be satisfied." -- Head wrestling coach Brett Means
5. Trig Tennant (Arkansas City)
Anticipated High School Weight Class: 152
Anticipated College Weight Class: 149/157
Analysis: With a 101-29 career record, Tennant is a three-time state medalist and a 2020 state champion. Through my years organizing dual teams, I can't think of a more hard-nosed wrestler than Trig Tennant. His attitude and love for the sport has lifted every team he has been on. To all college coaches…. If you want a warrior with top-shelf character, this kid is it!
Words from the corner: "Trig loves the sport of wrestling and has a thirst for learning as much as he can! He also loves to compete and turns many things into competition. This combination makes coaching Trig a dream. During workouts and practices, he is one of the hardest-working wrestlers in the room. He also asks about certain situations and holds and how to improve on them. His tenacity and untiring will on the wrestling mat creates fits for his opponents. Trig is able to turn this on and off, because outside of wrestling he is a great student and is a well-mannered young man." -- Head wrestling coach Greg Buckbee
6. Bishop Murray (Washburn Rural)
Anticipated High School Weight Class: 120
Anticipated College Weight Class: 125
Analysis: Murray is one defensive pin call away from having three straight state titles. On his way to a career 109-13 record, he has literally dominated his competition. I will not soon forget his rare mentality of taking on all comers. This attitude fits in perfect with a traditionally tough program and quality wrestling family. Look out for a spectacular 2021!
Words from the corner: "Bishop Murray is an absolute gamer. The concept of 'pressure' is completely foreign to him. When the lights come on, there is nobody better in the business!" -- Head wrestling coach Damon Parker
7. Devon Weber (Pratt)
Anticipated High School Weight Class: 126
Anticipated College Weight Class: 125
Analysis: On his way to three state titles, Weber is 79-1 over the last two years and 110-17 overall. He is a veteran of many national dual teams and has that rare character that rallies his teammates. No surprise that he is the quarterback on his football team. This kid is the perfect fit for any college program.
Words from the corner: "Devon is primed to go for his third title in as many years. His hard work and travelling for competition have provided Devon the opportunity to become Pratt's third three-time state champion in the history of the program. On the cusp of history, we are excited for him to bring his lifelong goals to fruition. Weber has the proper focus, attitude, and drive to get it done and he looks forward to leading a talented team to a top-three finish." -- Head wrestling coach Tate Thompson
8. Cason Lindsey (Derby)
Anticipated High School Weight Class: 152/160
Anticipated College Weight Class: 149/157
Analysis: With a 107-21 career record, Lindsey is a three-time state medalist and 2020 state champion. When he took home double All-American honors as a schoolboy, and with the last name Lindsey, the Kansas faithful knew he would etch his place in Kanas wresting history books. With one more high school chapter to write, I can't wait to see it!
Words from the corner: "Cason comes from another great bloodline in the Derby wrestling tradition with his father Craig's 1986 state title along with his brother Cade in 2016. Cason has been a great leader for the Panthers, both on the mat and in the classroom. I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to sit in his corner for one more year as he helps lead his young teammates." -- Head wrestling coach Billy Ross
9. Johnny Akin (St. Thomas Aquinas)
Anticipated High School Weight Class: 145
Anticipated College Weight Class: 141/149
Analysis: With 120 career wins, Akin enters his senior season as a three-time state medalist, including a 2020 state championship. The son of four-time NCAA All-American Eric Akin, most knew that Akin was going to be special. I can't tell you how many of his matches have included wild scrambles with nail biting finishes. Like his father, his conditioning and tenacity gives him an unlimited upside!
Words from the corner: "Johnny is a gamer. He gets better as the tournament goes on and rises to the level of the competition as the rounds get tougher. He is a leader by example when it comes to discipline and work ethic. The kid has a lot of crazy exciting matches! It has been an honor to coach him and I'll miss having him on the team. I look forward to watching him continue to climb the wrestling mountain at the collegiate level." -- Head wrestling coach Eric Akin
10. Anthony Ferguson (KC Piper)
Anticipated High School Weight Class: 160
Anticipated College Weight Class: 157
Analysis: His freshman year, Ferguson went 28-17 and didn't place at state. Everyone said, 'Wow he's a great athlete.' When he gets more mat time, watch out. Well, he got more than mat time! Anthony ran straight through competition last year, finishing 40-1 with a 4A state championship. Love this kid's future!
Words from the corner: "He is a highly aggressive wrestler on his feet who works hard as both a leader in the room and on the mat. His UTB victory to earn the first-ever boys state title for Piper showed his determination and our commitment to out-condition our opponents. He never runs out of gas and always pushes the action on the mat." -- Head wrestling coach Todd Harris
Honorable Mention:
Trent Clements (Chanute)
Brayden Dillow (Chanute)
Kenny Fehrman (Wellington)
Jace Fisher (Goddard)
Damian Illialo (Manhattan)
Jacob Mclain (Lansing)
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