Article By: Jordayn Buhrle, Mallory Henderson, Cameron Hendryx, Gracie Karst, Kelly Lopez, and Trevor Steinle

This past weekend the RHS State Qualifiers competed at the 3-2-1A State Wrestling Championship in Hays, Kansas. Stephan Baldwin went 3-2 with a 5th place finish, Jacob Windholz went 3-2 with a 5th place finish, and Brayden Strobel went 0-2 and did not place. The boys battled hard all season to get to this point, and their hard work paid off.

Russell High School’s Senior wrestler, Stephan Baldwin finished his season with a record of 40-12. Stephan said, “This experience at State was different because he didn’t have his day one partner there with him. He can’t explain the feeling of knowing that this was his last shot; it is literally indescribable.” Stephan summed up his career with three words, “emotional, hardworking, and fun.” This was Stephan’s second appearance at State during his high school career and his first time on the podium. We wish Stephan well in his future endeavors.

Jacob Windholz, a two time State qualifier and a Sophomore at RHS finished his season with a 37-7 record. Jacob said, “This year at State, when compared to last year was a much better experience. The people and atmosphere of 4A doesn’t compare to 3-2-1A.” Jacob’s goal for next season is to make it to finals and if that doesn’t happen he’d like to place higher than 5th. He said his biggest challenge is keeping a good mental condition because by the end of the season he becomes burnt out and has to find a way to stay positive and keep fighting. 

Brayden Strobel, Russell’s lone Freshman gave his all in his last few meets to get to State. He finished his season with a record of 13-19. Brayden said, “It was a pretty cool experience, but I was wishing for a better outcome.” His goal is to make State the next three years of his high school career. 

The head wrestling coach of Russell High School, Dan Weigel said, “He is very proud of them and he thinks they had a great attitude and effort going into State.” Weigel tries to have an energetic personality in the wrestling room. He is a player-type of coach, meaning he always takes the side of his wrestlers and fights for them until the end. Coach Weigel feels that the wrestling program was in good shape when he got here two years ago and hopes to continue the winning tradition. We look forward to watching Jacob, Brayden, and the rest of the RHS wrestlers as they compete over the next few years. We are excited to see what the future holds for the team.

Article By: Jordayn Buhrle, Mallory Henderson, Cameron Hendryx, Gracie Karst, Kelly Lopez, and Trevor Steinle

Russell High School has three individuals that qualified for the 3-2-1A State Tournament being held this weekend at Gross Memorial Coliseum on the Fort Hays State University campus.  Our wrestlers are Stephan Baldwin, 120 lbs. weight class with a record of 37-10; Jacob Windholz, 132 lbs. weight class with a record of 34-5; and Brayden Strobel, 138 lbs. weight class with a record of 13-17. 

Stephan, the most quiet of the three, has been wrestling for 14-15 years. His dad was the person who influenced him to become a wrestler. Stephan said, “He is most proud of breaking both career and season takedown records and making it to State again. As a Senior, Stephan is starting to think beyond his high school career. “I would like to, it would be a fun experience, but a lot of work if I want to.”

Jacob, a sophomore, currently ranked fifth in the state is the most outgoing and fun loving of the three. While he is known for being a jokester he becomes completely focused during the meets.  His wrestling career began at the age of four when his dad’s friend, who was a kid’s club wrestling coach, talked Jacob into trying his hand at it. Twelve years later, he is a two time state qualifier. When asked what has helped him be so successful he responded, “He’s had good partners and a great coach to lead the way.”

Brayden, an athletically gifted freshman, is known for being talkative and goofy. His personality continues even onto the mat. His journey into wrestling began with a love of football. People told him that if he wanted to play football in college he should take up wrestling to help him be a better athlete. Brayden reflected, “To get where I am now took a lot of work….”  

Mandy Trout, Jacob’s mother and teacher at Russell High School has been Jacob’s biggest supporter and the unofficial wrestling “mom” for the team. “Being a wrestling mom is excitement, nervousness, heartache, elation all rolled up into one tournament and even one match sometimes.”  

Dan Weigel, Russell High School Social Studies teacher and head wrestling coach brings an edge to the team. Weigel, a former state high school wrestling champion in his own right wants to see his wrestlers succeed both on and off the mat. “They had their ups and downs, but it was in the right season.” At the beginning of the season he was hoping for five or six on the team to make it to state, but is very happy with the three that made it. “The reason they scored so well at regionals is because the guys worked really hard to get the falls and score extra points for their team to make it to state.”

Stephan summed up the season best when he said, “Work harder, get stronger and cherish the moments.’’