Tonganoxie girls wrestling opens year as preseason No. 1
Shawn F. Linenberger/Staff
Tonganoxie High’s Autumn Wilson wins a match at the state championships this past winter at Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina. Wilson is part of a THS squad that’s expected to compete for a state team title in 2024-25.Expectations are elevated for the Tonganoxie High girls wrestling team.
The 2024-25 edition of the THS squad is the preseason No. 1 team, according to the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association.
THS, which placed ninth at state after a regional runner-up finish this past February, has several wrestlers back and ranked individually in the preseason polls as well.
Senior Stella Bradley is ranked No. 2 in the 115-pound division, while junior Autumn Wilson also is ranked No. 2 at 120. Junior Finley Keller is ranked No. 4 in 135, while senior Grace Stean currently is ranked No. 2 at 170.
Stean placed fifth at 170 during the 2024 state championships in Salina.
Wilson returns after a third-place finish at state at 110, as does Bradley, who took sixth at 115.
The rest of the preseason Top 10 is No. 2 Fort Scott, No. 3 Pratt, No. 4 Colby, No. 5 Chanute, No. 6 Smoky Valley, No. 7 Chapman, No. 8 Baldwin, No. 9 Independence and No. 10 Clay Center.
Rossville is the defending state champion in 4-1A, but state championships will have a different look this season. Previously, there were two divisions: 6-5A and 4-1A. This season, 6A, 5A and 4A have their own classes, while 3-1A will be the fourth state tournament.
Tonganoxie again will be competing at the 4A state championships Feb. 28-March 1 at Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina.
THS girls wrestling opens the season at 5 p.m. today in a dual against Bonner Springs at home.