The Journal-World All-Area Wrestling Team, standing from left: Caden Lynch, Lawrence; Alan Clothier, Lawrence; Thomas Miller, Tonganoxie; Jon Pratt, Baldwin; Julius Coats, Tonganoxie; Clayton Himpel, Tonganoxie; and Andrew Denning, Lawrence. Seated, from left: wrestler of the year Bryce Shoemaker, Baldwin, and coach of the year Jeremy Goebel, Tonganoxie. Not pictured: Jake Ellis and Landon Scott, Mill Valley.

Wrestler of the year: Bryce Shoemaker, Baldwin

The first two-time state champion in program history, Shoemaker racked up a stunning 1,047 team points and broke seven school records for Baldwin in his four-year wrestling career, even though an injury as a sophomore ended his season early. The Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association named the 138-pound senior its Class 4A Senior Wrestler of the Year.

Coach of the year: Jeremy Goebel, Tonganoxie

The Chieftains coach enjoyed the most successful season in program history as THS finished 10th at the 4A state tournament. Led by state medalists Clayton Himpel, Julius Coats and Thomas Miller, Tonganoxie sent eight wrestlers to state, with Dalton Tavis, Asher Huseman, Gus Dent, Luke Carey and Zeke Kissinger all contributing to the team’s success.

First team

Alan Clothier, Lawrence — In his first season of varsity wrestling, Clothier quickly established himself as one of the top grapplers in the Sunflower State. The 170-pound freshman spent numerous weeks ranked No. 1 in 6A, posted a 41-4 record, won Sunflower League and regional championships and took third place in his state debut.

Julius Coats, Tonganoxie — The senior 195-pounder’s final season wrestling at THS was his best, culminating with a fourth-place 4A state medal. Coats got his 35-6 season going in the right direction with a title at Basehor-Linwood’s Bobcat Classic and eventually added Kaw Valley League and regional titles to his résumé.

Andrew Denning, Lawrence — After beginning the season as a 160-pounder, Denning quickly became the top 6A 182-pounder upon making a move up in weight class. The three-time state-qualifier finished 40-4, with 32 pinfall victories in his final season and followed up a regional title by going out on top as a state champion.

Jake Ellis, Mill Valley — The Jaguars junior amassed a 40-8 record after a successful postseason. Ellis, a 145-pounder, won a Kaw Valley League championship and followed that accomplishment by taking second at a regional and earning third place at the 5A state tournament.

Clayton Himpel, Tonganoxie — Losses were a rarity for the Chieftains’ 132-pounder during his junior campaign. Himpel won 40 matches, lost just six times and achieved championships in both the Kaw Valley League and Tonganoxie’s regional tournament before taking fourth place at 4A state.

Caden Lynch, Lawrence — The Lions’ senior 138-pounder went 31-15 in his final season, which included a sixth-place 6A state medal, a regional championship and a second-place finish in the Sunflower League.

Thomas Miller, Tonganoxie — One of the Chieftains’ many experienced grapplers, the senior leader became a force at 220 pounds. Miller posted a 38-11 record his final season at THS, won a Kaw Valley League championship, finished second at a 4A regional and took sixth place at 4A state.

Jon Pratt, Baldwin — A 120-pound sophomore, Pratt went 4-2 at the 4A state tournament and placed fifth after winning a regional championship and his second Frontier League title. He placed in seven tournaments this season and finished 31-16.

Landon Scott, Mill Valley — A 106-pound junior, Scott became one of the top lightweight wrestlers in 5A. The Kaw Valley League runner-up also placed second at a 5A regional and took fifth place at state, finishing the season with a 38-11 mark.

Bryce Shoemaker, Baldwin — The 138-pound senior left the prep ranks as a three-time regional and Frontier League champion and capped an incredible career with a 45-2 record and a second state title. Shoemaker went 160-18 in his four years at Baldwin and set a new state record this year with 71 two-point near falls.

Honorable mention

Tyler Ball, Perry-Lecompton; Thaius Boyd, Eudora; Tucker Clark, Baldwin; Noah Kennedy, Eudora; Justis Merz, Eudora; Brendon Neal, Perry-Lecompton; Daylen Pressler, Perry-Lecompton; Sam Skwarlo, Free State; Ben Soukup, Free State; Dalton Weidl, Ottawa.