Emporia High School wrestling history was written multiple times inside of Hartman Arena at the 5A state championship tournament Saturday.
EHS Juniors Alexa Castillo (235 lbs) and Kensley Medrano (120 lbs) both claimed state titles in their respective weight classes, becoming the first Lady Spartan wrestlers to bring state championships in school history. Castillo advanced to the championship match, defeating Andover’s Taijana Bryant in the championship quarterfinals and Sarayja Nelson of Leavenworth in the semi-finals both by fall.
She would then go on to defeat Kaupan Mt. Carmel’s then undefeated Gianna Redcorn 3-2 in the finals. Castillo says she couldn’t have done it without her massive support system behind her.
Medrano advanced to the finals with victories over Giada Milner of Leavenworth by fall in the opening round before earning a 9-0 major decision over Ashley McMullin of Newton in the quarterfinals. In the championship semi-final, Medrano Medrano pinned Shawnee Heights’ Audrey Hinkly to set up a regional finals rematch with Topeka Seaman’s Taylie Heston, whom she defeated 3-2.
Medrano, who missed the podium in both her freshman and sophomore years, says she had one single focus heading into the weekend.
Also in the championship finals for Emporia High was senior Heily Batres (115 lbs), who picked up wins over Sydnie Brulez of St. James Academy by fall in the opening round and Kayle Baldwin of Great Bend 7-4 in the quarter-finals. In the Championship semi-finals, Batres would find herself down 9-4 heading into the third period,d where Batres would score 8 unanswered points to win 12-9.
Batres fought to the final whistle in the championship finals but came up just short to Avery Hinojos of Newton 5-1. Despite not claiming the state title, Batres says it was a great way to end her final year in a Spartan singlet.
Also placing for Emporia High School were junior Yanelli Carranza (115 lbs), who finished in fifth place and junior Sienna Spaulding (105 lbs), who took sixth. In addition to being the first state titles for the Lady Spartans, this weekend also saw the most state finalists in program history (3) and the most state placers (5).
Head Coach Shawn Russell says his team “peaked at the right time.”
Also competing at the 5A state tournament for the Lady Spartans were Chloe Steele (110 lbs), Claire Starr (130 lbs), Mia Gardner (135 lbs), Lixy Lainez Rosas (150 lbs), and Gabby Duarte (190 lbs). As a team, the Lady Spartans finished in fifth place. Kapaun Mt. Carmel were the team champions, with Basehor-Linwood finishing second and Shawnee Heights finishing third.
The Emporia High Boys also had one wrestler bring home a medal as senior Dustin Dobson (150 lbs) finished in sixth place in his class. Dobson, a two-time state qualifier who despite began active competition in his junior year, says while he would have liked a better outcome, he is proud of the adversity he has overcome to get to the podium.
Dobson was one of seven Spartan Wrestlers to take to the mat at the state tournament. The list of wrestlers also included Kolton Wyatt (113 lbs), Jackson Goodman (132 lbs), Landon Wohletz (138 lbs), Garrett LeBlanc (165 lbs), Tayten Ervin (175 lbs) and Jose Vargas (285 lbs).
Head Coach Brook Medrano says his guys displayed a tremendous amount of grit and determination and put in the effort he expects throughout the weekend.
We have the audio from all three state title matches available with this story at KVOE.com.
