Shoemaker wins state wrestling title

Baldwin High School freshman Bryce Shoemaker dominated at 4A State wrestling placing first in the 103 pound weight class. Senior Josh Hanson placed third in the 135 pound weight class.

“Feels really good to win state as a freshman,” Shoemaker said. “It is nice to have all my hard work pay off and too finish out a strong season.”

There were seven qualifiers including Shoemaker (42-4), Hanson (43-9), senior Heath Parmley (27-12), juniors Colby Soden (23-23), Will Von Bargen (11-11) and Greg Schiffelbein (24-14) and sophomore Andrew Morgan (24-15).

After the BHS wrestlers left Thursday, Feb. 25, to Salina to compete, many were only one match away from placing.

“Six of seven state qualifiers scored points, but all wrestled hard and it has been a good season,” coach Kit Harris said.

Soden had a big comeback his third match. He was down 10-2 late in the third period, but scored 11 points in 1:20 to win 13-10.

“My first match Saturday was against a guy from Eudora that had beat me in regionals but I ended up beating him and headed into quarter finals,” Soden said. “I did better than I expected, wish I would’ve placed, but it makes me more excited about next year.”

Hanson ended his season with 40 wins, along with his placing at state.

“It is so great to finish my high school career strong and meeting all my goals,” Hanson said.

The wrestling team finished out a strong season.

“The team did great it was the third highest team finish in school history,” Harris said. “We weren’t picked to finish this high at the beginning of the season.”

Story by Kendra Hedges, BHS Journalism