Both Manhattan High wrestling teams got off to strong starts on Friday in the opening day of the 6A state tournament in at AdventHealth Sports Park in Overland Park. 

On both teams, 12 of the 13 wrestlers advanced on to the second day of state, including three boys wrestler and two girls wrestlers that already have a spot in the first-place match. 

For the MHS boys, Caeleb Hutchinson (150 pounds), Kadin Dibbini (215 pounds) and Max Evans-Pryor (175 pounds) all went 3-0 on Friday, while Alayna Slifer (135 pounds) and Sophia Hoeme (140 pounds) also went undefeated and will wrestler for an individual state championship on Saturday. 

Hutchinson will be looking for his fourth individual state gold medal, while Slifer is looking to repeat as a state champion after winning in 2025. 

Manhattan has four wrestlers that won their first two matches before falling in the semifinals and will be playing for third-place in the consolation semifinals on Saturday. 

For the Indian boys, Franke Force (106 pounds) and Garrison Vikander (285 pounds) are just two wins away from a top-3 finish, along with Eleanor Radi (120 pounds) and Eva Lucios (100 pounds) on the girls’ side. 

The rest will open Saturday in the second consolation round, and will need two wins to reach the consolation semifinals. 

For the MHS girls, that includes Alison Kaupp (115 pounds), Erica Li (170 pounds), Evelyn Thornburg (125 pounds), Kalena Borge (105 pounds), Kayla Cramer (130 pounds) Kimberly Altamirano-Cruz (110 pounds), Tasia Miller (155 pounds) and Tierra Young (145 pounds). 

For the boys, Benjamin Busch (138 pounds), Bode Busch (157 pounds), Brecken Crist-Funk (165 pounds), Cameron Coonrod (144 pounds), Jack Hutchinson (126 pounds) Joseph Panfil (132 pounds) and Liam Nider (190 pounds). 

The Manhattan High boys are looking for their third-straight state title, while the girls’ hope to improve on their eighth-place finish a year ago. 

The Mercury will have full results and photos from the 6A state tournaments online and in Tuesday’s edition. 

Wamego

For the Red Raiders, of the 12 wrestlers that qualified, 10 advanced on to Day 2 of 4A state in Salina. 

Wamego will have two wrestlers competing in the first-place match: Isaac Costa (106 pounds) for the boys and Leolyn Karnowski (155 pounds) for the girls. 

The Red Raider girls will also have Peyton Brazzle (100 pounds) in the consolation semifinal and Nevaeh Beatty (110 pounds) and Rachel Barber (115 pounds) in the second consolation round. 

For the Wamego boys, Knox Karnowski (150 pounds) and Talon Conrad (215 pounds) will compete in the consolation semifinals, while Duke Beggs (144 pounds), Harry Costa (126 pounds) and Josh Flanigan (285 pounds) will open the day in the second consolation round. 

Rock Creek

The Mustangs sent 10 wrestlers to state and eight are advancing on to second day of 4A state in Salina.  

The girls are led by Megan Ryan (140 pounds), who will be wrestling in the first-place match. Ali Wilcoxson (125 pounds), Dakoda Moeller (155 pounds) Liliauna Nold (115 pounds) and RaeLynne Wilson (170 pounds) will all be wrestling in the second consolation round. 

For the boys, Nick Allen (175 pounds), Tyler Bortnick (113 pounds) and Wade Rottinghaus (190 pounds) will all wrestle in the second consolation round. 

Riley County

All four Falcon wrestlers advanced on to the second day of 3-1A state in Hays. 

For the Riley girls, Annabele Burton (130 pounds) made it to the consolation semifinals while Kinsey Loecker (120 pounds) will open Saturday in the second consolation round. 

On the boys’ side, Tanner Rhoton (113 pounds) made it to the consolation semifinal, while Nathan Hammond (175 pounds) dropped his second match of the day to end up in the second consolation round. 

Council Grove

Eight Braves qualified for state, and seven made it to Day 2 of 3-1A state in Hays. 

Council Grove had two wrestlers on the boys’ side that will be wrestling for a state title. Bradley Doornbos (138 pounds) and Tyler Hutchinson (215 pounds) went 3-0 on Friday to end up in the first-place match. 

Easton Stohs (165 pounds) and Nate Seimears (132 pounds) will wrestling in the second consolation round. 

For the girls, Alysia Werner (140 pounds), Savanah Johnson (155 pounds) and Savannah Stewart (130 pounds) will also start their day in the second consolation round on Saturday. 

Wabaunsee

Of the two Charger wrestlers that made it to state, one will be wrestling in the second day of 3-1A state in Hays. 

Brody Droegemeier (215 pounds) rebounded from an opening round loss to advance on to the second consolation round on Saturday.Â