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    Wrestling 49: Kansas

    With the high school wrestling season' start approaching, InterMat will be taking fans across the United States of America on a tour of scholastic wrestling. From now until the middle of November, InterMat will introduce fans to the top high school senior wrestlers in the 49 states with scholastic wrestling. From Alaska to Florida, and Maine to California, fans will gain exposure to future college and senior level stars.

    The rankings within this article do not necessarily reflect those done by InterMat.

    Last year's class made its mark in Kansas wrestling history by placing seven wrestlers on Division I rosters. We said goodbye to Fargo national champion Austin Hood, who is headed to Oklahoma State, and to NHSCA National champion Matt Reed, who will wear the crimson and cream at the University of Oklahoma.

    Once again the excitement is building for an encore! The following seniors are considered the ten best in the Kansas Class of 2013. In all, they have accounted for 14 state championships, including a FILA Cadet National title.

    1. Nathan Butler (Leavenworth)
    Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 285
    Projected College Weight Class: 285

    Nathan Butler
    Analysis: Nathan has a stockpile of accomplishments both on and off the mat. With two state titles and a career record of 113-18, 86-4 over the last two years, he stood at the top of the podium at FILA Cadet Nationals in freestyle in June and placed second in Greco-Roman. He was a 2011 Fargo All-American before making the jump to heavyweight after his junior year. His height and frame will allow him to grow into an elite heavyweight and he is now on everybody's recruiting list. With his work in the classroom, Nathan will be able to name his college.

    2. Zac Gentzler (Andover Central)
    Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 120
    Projected College Weight Class: 125

    Zac Gentzler
    Analysis: Zac is on the verge of becoming the 29th Kansas four-time state champion. With a stellar 114-1 career record, he is undefeated versus Kansas competition over three high school seasons. In 2010, Zac also went 10-0 at the Junior National Duals in freestyle. He has that in-your-face style and has punishing riding skills. He will have a wide range of college choices and will have a real shot to follow his older brother to a Division I school.

    3. Will Geary (Topeka)
    Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 285
    Projected College Weight Class: 285

    Will Geary
    Analysis: Will Geary is a multi-sport phenom. You will rarely see a heavyweight with his combination of size and agility. He is on everybody's football recruiting list and will have to decide between the college gridiron or mat. Having just started wrestling in ninth grade, Will has a 93-12 career record, finishing 31-0 and atop the Kansas state podium in 2012. He is a true crowd-pleaser with his leg attacks to go along with his impressive physical presence. Look for him at Virginia Beach in 2013.

    4. Levi Eck (Andale)
    Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 182
    Projected College Weight Class: 174

    Analysis: Levi's career record is 115-15. He is a three-time state placer and two-time finalist, winning a state title last year with a 40-1 record. This last season, he was a USAW Folkstyle National All-American. He won the Kansas Greco state championship and in 2010 he finished 14-3 at the Cadet National Duals. With a solid duckunder and an innate ability to come out on top of scrambles, he led his high school team to two straight state titles.

    5. Calvin Ochs (Hoxie)
    Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 160
    Projected College Weight Class: 157

    Analysis: Calvin had his best year ever in 2012, making the state finals for the third straight year and taking home the gold with a 30-3 junior campaign. After the folkstyle season, he stepped up his training efforts by winning the Rocky Mountain Nationals, Kansas state freestyle title and a runner-up finish at Southern Plains. He was a big part of the Greco National Dual team in OKC, winning six matches which prepared him for his success at Fargo by gaining All-American status for the first time in his career!

    6. Jonathan Blackwell (Bonner Springs)
    Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 152
    Projected College Weight Class: 149

    Analysis: Jonathan is a three-time state finalist, winning a state title in 2011 as a sophomore. He has a 121-20 career record and has been a key contributor to the National Duals teams. He has a really strong short fireman's and keeps in great position on his feet. He made the All-Class dual team in 2011 and 12, representing Team Kansas at the Rocky Mountain Duals. Expect him to make the finals for the fourth straight year!

    7. Bryce Shoemaker (Baldwin)
    Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 138
    Projected College Weight Class: 133

    Analysis: With a 115-16 career record, Bryce climbed the top of the state podium his freshman season, overcoming an injury in 2010 to make the finals last year on his way to a 40-6 record. At the 2012 Bobcat Classic, Bryce beat nationally ranked Gary Wayne Harding from Oklahoma before beating Kansas four-time state champion and Wyoming signee Dylan Schumacher. He has made the schools Honor Roll all three years and served as Team Captain the last two years.

    8. Dustin Reed (Colby)
    Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 126
    Projected College Weight Class: 125/133

    AAnalysis: As a three-time State Finalist and two-time state champion with a career record of 118-6, Dustin is the odds on favorite to bring home a third title this year. He has a strong sense of team loyalty, serving as captain for the state runner-up Colby Eagles last year. He is 84-3 over the last two seasons!

    9. Jared Johnson (Pleasant Ridge)
    Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 170
    Projected College Weight Class: 165

    Analysis: With 21 career Fargo victories, Jared is a two-time Fargo All-American. His career high school record is 109-13, going 38-3 on his way to the state finals last season. He has been an integral part of the National Dual teams and has won the Southern Plains regional two times. Jared is a crowd favorite with his Greco experience and has been a huge help with my postseason teams. He is the favorite this season to take home that elusive state title.

    10. Hunter Haralson (Lawrence)
    Projected 2012-13 High School Weight Class: 132
    Projected College Weight Class: 133

    Analysis: Hunter finally won his Kansas state championship that many expected out of this elite athlete from Lawrence, Kan. As a multiple-time Kansas kids state champion, many across the state had projected him as a possible four-time champ. He placed second as a freshman and fourth as a sophomore, accumulating a 111-21 career record. I will never forget his effort as a fifth-grader for the National Dual Team in Illinois, lighting up the bench as he trashed the 70-pound competitors at the start of each dual!

    Honorable Mention:
    Chris Burley (Great Bend)
    Cody Eastman (Arkansas City)
    Trey Francka (Chase County)
    Bryant Guillen (Topeka Seaman)
    Dakota Leach (Goddard)
    Nick Meck (Shawnee Heights)
    Aaron Rafalko (Junction City)
    John Risewick (Norton)
    Clay Wilcox (Chaparral)
    Spencer Wilson (Lawrence Free State)
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