Clay Lautt after winning a title at the UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman (Photo/Sam Janicki)Kansas wrestling is on the move.
Last year, Kansas' senior class placed several wrestlers at quality schools, though only three signed with Division I schools: Michael Prieto headed to South Dakota State University, Alan Clothier to Appalachian State University and Sam Elliott to Duke University.
With Kansas' monumental second-place finish in Fargo at the Cadet level in 2016, the Kansas faithful knew that 2017 would bring a deep class of seniors with a swarm of Division I attention.
Here is a look at the top 10 senior wrestlers from Kansas …
1. Clay Lautt
High School: St. James Academy
Projected High School Weight Class: 182
Projected College Weight Class: 174
Analysis: Clay has been on a steady rise to the top, winning the FILA Cadet National Greco-Roman title and earning a spot on the Cadet World Team this year. He is a two-time state champion and a three-time Fargo All-American. He has been an anchor for the Kansas National Duals teams and has that top-shelf character that is a coaches' dream. The University of North Carolina recognized him early and will be getting an elite athlete from a fantastic family.
Words from the corner: "No two wrestlers have made more of an impact on our program than Clay Lautt and Sammy Cokeley. What these two have done on the mat speaks for itself. Over the last few years these two have spent basically 10 months a year working towards their goals. If not working hard in the room for themselves, they are at youth practices working with Kansas' future wrestlers striving towards being the next All American for Kansas. What we try to teach is 'it's not always about winning, it's about what you're doing to win.'" -- St. James Academy head wrestling coach Mike Medina
2. Kayne Hutchison
High School: Pittsburg
Projected High School Weight Class: 285
Projected College Weight Class: 285
Analysis: Kayne had built an impressive stockpile of hardware as a Cadet 220-pounder, reaching the podium in both styles at UWW Cadet Nationals and Fargo. As an encore he moved up to the 285-pound class and did it again. He was a FILA Cadet freestyle finalist and third-place finisher in Greco-Roman, followed by a double All-American finish in Fargo at the Junior level. In short, this kid is a gem.
Words from the corner: "Kayne Hutchison is a picture-perfect example of a champion in all facets of his life. He is a fierce competitor on the mat and applies the same tenacity with his academics. Kayne's hard work and perseverance drive him to find a way to win the toughest of matches. Kayne takes to the mat to win every match without uncertainty." -- Pittsburg head wrestling coach Scott Rieck
T3. Kameron Frame
High School: Goddard
Projected High School Weight Class: 152
Projected College Weight Class: 149/157
Analysis: Kameron is a two-time state champion, Cadet National folkstyle champion in 2015, folkstyle All-American in 2014 and a two-time Fargo All-American. With a career record of 97-13, he has been a leader on his back-to-back state champion high school team. These twin brothers are veterans of Kansas' National Dual teams and will likely be traveling together to college, giving some lucky program a double bonus.
T3. Kendall Frame
High School: Goddard
Projected High School Weight Class: 160
Projected College Weight Class: 149/157
Analysis: Kendall is also a two-time state champion and three-time state placer. He reached the finals of the Cadet National folkstyle competition and forfeited to his brother Kameron. He is a Fargo All-American and veteran of the National Dual teams. His career record is 99-10. Kansas wrestling fans have been cheering on these twin brothers since a very young age. They are going to make some college coach's year when they sign.
Words from the corner (on Kameron and Kendall): "As a coach you dream about kids like this. They don't miss a practice, training session in the offseason, and wrestle year-round with a great attitude. They are also very coachable and understand that if you are not improving you are going to lose ground. Both are students of the sport, spending countless hours watching videos and attempting to perfect their technique. They don't rest on their past accomplishments." -- Goddard head wrestling coach Brett Means
5. Sammy Cokeley
High School: St. James Academy
Projected High School Weight Class: 170
Projected College Weight Class: 165/174
Analysis: Sammy is the definition of "hard work pays off." With the legacy of his four-time state champion brother Ryne and his state champion brother Reese, Sammy was a two-time state placer with high hopes. He kept chopping wood by traveling to every possible tournament, taking on the nation's best wrestlers. He couldn't have picked a better time to peak than the state tournament. Sammy beat two former state champs and avenged two earlier losses to win his first state title. Everyone could tell the light had turned on. In Tulsa, he went 14-2 at the Junior National Duals, beating a Fargo champion. He then ripped through the backside in Fargo, beating three All-Americans, including Wyatt Sheets from Oklahoma to take home a fourth-place finish in the Junior division. Along with his success in the classroom, this kid will have plenty of college options. Air Force Academy, Cornell, Wisconsin and Columbia are on the short list.
6. Corbin Nirschl
High School: Basehor Linwood
Projected High School Weight Class: 126
Projected College Weight Class: 125
Analysis: Corbin has a career record of 103-5 as a three-time state finalist and one-time champion. He is a Fargo All-American, making the finals in 2014. In 2015, Corbin was runner-up at UWW Cadet Nationals in Greco-Roman. Adding to that hardware, he was a Cadet All-American in folkstyle. He is a veteran on many of the National Duals teams and always keeps himself in top shape.
Words from the corner: "Corbin is one tough kid. I have never seen a more self-motivated kid. He is very hungry to get back to the top of the podium after finishing second the past two years. I know Corbin is going to work harder this year than he ever has to end his high school wrestling career with another state championship." -- Basehor Linwood head wrestling coach Joe Zlatnik
7. Dylan Prince
High School: Pittsburg
Projected High School Weight Class: 195
Projected College Weight Class: 197
Analysis: Dylan has had to overcome many physical hurdles throughout his career. He is a beast who passes any eye test and has excelled on the national stage. He is a three-time Fargo All-American and placed third in the Cadet National folkstyle competition. If I had to pick a kid from Kansas to run through a wall, it would be him.
Words from the corner: "Dylan Prince is an exceptional athlete whose relatively short career just began in the seventh grade. His work ethic and persistence are second to none. Combined with his relentless pride, Dylan gives it his all in every match. His intensity is fueled by his competitive spirit and ambition to succeed on the mat and in the classroom. Dylan is driven and strives for the intrinsic rewards only a true champion recognizes." -- Rieck
8. Mason Wallace
High School: Manhattan
Projected High School Weight Class: 145
Projected College Weight Class: 141/149
Analysis: Mason is one win away from three state titles. His 120-9 career record and two titles have grabbed the attention of college coaches nationwide. In 2014, he gained All-American status in folkstyle and has several Fargo wins along with being a veteran of the National Duals teams. Coming from a great family, Mason will make any college coach proud.
Words from the corner: "In my forty years as a high school wrestling coach, Mason Wallace exemplifies what we want in our student-athletes. He is a leader by example on and off the wrestling mat. His work ethic is amazing and his ability to instill in his teammates that drive and passion for success. Young people like Mason Wallace energize my life and encourage me to coach forever." -- Manhattan head wrestling coach Bob Gonzales
9. Aryus Jones
High School: Junction City
Projected High School Weight Class: 182
Projected College Weight Class: 184
Analysis: With a career record of 68-13, it would be easy to overlook this athletic phenom from Junction City. That would be a mistake. True wrestling fans know that Aryus Jones has the potential to make a Division I roster. He is a three-time state placer and went 18-0 last year, winning the 6A state title. At the Kansas freestyle/Greco-Roman state tournament this year, he ran roughshod over two Fargo All-Americans and put everyone on notice to watch this kid's encore senior season.
Words from the corner: "Aryus is a hard worker, not only on the mat but also in the classroom. He has been a great leader for our team and our community. Along with his pure athleticism, his potential is unlimited." -- Junction City head wrestling coach Robert Laster
T10. Paul Stuart
High School: Andover
Projected High School Weight Class: 145
Projected College Weight Class: 141
Analysis: One loss in the state finals of his freshman season stands in the way of Paul attempting to win his fourth state title. With a stellar career record of 110-4 and two state titles, he is an elite technician and crowd-pleaser.
Words from the corner: "Paul leads by example in the wrestling room. He has a huge heart for kids and loves working with them in camps. Paul is much more than just a wrestler in the wrestling room. Paul is family to me. We have spent so much time together in and out of the wrestling room. I will personally miss him next year and our team will be losing a wonderful teammate." -- Andover head wrestling coach Brett Fiene
T10. Tristan Porsch
High School: Hoxie
Projected High School Weight Class: 145
Projected College Weight Class: 141
Analysis: Tristan has a career record of 114-3 and two state titles. He is also a state freestyle and Greco-Roman champion, winning the Southern Plains Regional in Greco-Roman. His win over four-time champion Michael Prieto last season got the attention of many coaches. Tristan is a National Honor Society member with a 3.85 GPA. He is one win away from three state titles. He has a tremendously competitive attitude. College coaches will do well with this kid.
Words from the corner: "Tristan has a great work ethic and what he has accomplished is special because he hasn't had a roomful of workout partners. He wrestles eleven months of the year and has carried on the strong tradition in our wrestling program mostly on his own, since his freshman year. A true leader in our room." -- Hoxie head wrestling coach Mike Porsch
Honorable Mention:
Daniel Butler (Leavenworth)
Tanner Hitchcock (Bonner Springs)
Andrew Johnson (Homeschool)
Anthony Scantlin (Mulvane)
Dylan Servis (Dodge City)
Logan Treaster (Newton)
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