Tonganoxie boys wrestling looks to challenge again in Salina after graduating 3 state champs
Tonganoxie High boys wrestling returns a strong nucleus this season, as reflected in the preseason rankings, but the Chieftains also lost several wrestlers to graduation, including three state champions.
Graduated seniors Braeden Moore (144), Noah Bailey (150) and Tyler Pankey (215) all won state titles, while Colton Brusven (190) placed fifth. Moore, who now wrestles at the University of Central Missouri, won a state title his junior year as well. Bailey wrestles at Cloud County Community College, while Pankey plays football at Baker and Brusven football at Minot State in North Dakota.
THS also has two state medalists returning for the 2024-25 campaign.
Tyler Chrisp placed fifth at 106 and Brady Martin third at 165 at the state championships in Salina.
Fast forward to December and THS is ranked No. 4 in 4A.
Junior Brodie Starcher is ranked No. 4 at 113, while Chrisp, who medaled at state as a freshman, is back as No. 5 preseason at 120 as a sophomore.
Brady Martin is the top-ranked wrestler in 4A at 157, with senior Cael Dye at No. 5 in the 190-pound division.
Also ranked in the preseason is junior Gavin Rhoads at No. 4 in the 285-pound division.
Tonganoxie opens the season at 5 p.m. today against Bonner Springs in a home dual at Chieftain Arena.