Journal-World All-Area wrestling team

Wrestler of the Year

Alan Clothier, Lawrence

One of the most accomplished wrestlers in school history, the Sunflower League’s Wrestler of the Year won his second career Class 6A state championship at 182 pounds, winning by major decision in the state title match. Clothier added league and regional titles, finishing his four-year career with a 151-8 record.

Coach of the Year, Travis Keal, Mill Valley

The Jaguars qualified 12 wrestlers for the Class 5A state tournament and took third for the second straight year with 97.5 points. They won Kaw Valley League and regional titles, led by state placers Jarrett Bendure, Peyton Bendure, Seth Burnett, Dylan Gowin and Conner Ward.

The 2015-16 Journal-World All-Area Wrestling Team, from left: Korbin Riedel, Tonganoxie; Tate Steele, Free State; Bryce Erickson, Santa Fe Trail; Coach of the Year Travis Keal, Mill Valley; Dylan Gowin, Mill Valley; Gage Foster, Free State. Not pictured: Wrestler of the Year Alan Clothier, Lawrence; Joel Katzer, Baldwin; Blaine Ray, Ottawa; Conner Ward, Mill Valley; Taylor Wilmarth, Wellsville.

First team

Bryce Erickson, Santa Fe Trail — For the second straight season, Erickson finished third at the Class 4A state tournament, helping the Chargers to sixth in the team standings. The 132-pound junior was runner-up in his regional and in the Pioneer League, improving his record to 118-18 in his career.

Gage Foster, Free State — Right before regionals, Foster moved up to 170 pounds and never looked back. The sophomore won a regional title in his first tournament at the new weight, then he took third place at the Class 6A state tournament. Foster ended the season with an 8-1 record at 170.

Dylan Gowin, Mill Valley — Gowin posted a 33-11 record with only four losses against opponents from Kansas. The junior won Kaw Valley League and regional titles before taking third place at the Class 5A state tournament at 113 pounds, his second straight season placing inside of the top three.

Joel Katzer, Baldwin — The 182-pound senior capped his prep career with his second Frontier League championship and a third place finish at the Class 4A state tournament. Katzer, who had a 35-9 record and was an academic all-state selection, was runner-up at regionals and won 14 matches by fall, including two at state.

Blaine Ray, Ottawa — A regional champion at 182 pounds, Ray placed fourth at the Class 4A state tournament, including three wins by fall. The Cyclones junior was runner-up in the Frontier League, ending the season with a 38-9 record. He led Ottawa to 22nd place in the team standings at state.

Korbin Riedel, Tonganoxie — Only a freshman, Riedel set a school record with 43 wins this season on his way to fifth place at the Class 4A state tournament at 120 pounds. He won a regional championship with four straight wins by pinfall and was runner-up in the Kaw Valley League.

Tate Steele, Free State — Steele moved up to 132 pounds midway through the season and was dominant on his way to Sunflower League, regional and Class 6A state titles. The talented sophomore, who finished the season with a 40-2 record, became the first wrestler in school history to win a state championship.

Conner Ward, Mill Valley — Ward was runner-up in the Class 5A state tournament, for the second straight year, at 126 pounds. The Jaguars sophomore had a 37-7 record, winning Kaw Valley League and regional titles, leading his school to its fourth straight league championship.

Taylor Wilmarth, Wellsville — A 132-pound senior, Wilmarth was state runner-up in Class 3A, and he set a state record with 168 reversals in his four-year career. The four-time state qualifier won a regional title and finished his career with a 140-43 record.

Honorable mention

Jarrett Bendure, Mill Valley; Peyton Bendure, Mill Valley; Seth Burnett, Mill Valley; Christian Davis, Santa Fe Trail; Ethan Dean, Santa Fe Trail; Jake Hastings, Santa Fe Trail; Gad Huseman, Tonganoxie; Isaiah Jacobs, Free State; Jake Katzer, Baldwin; Noah Kennedy, Eudora; Adian McClellan, Tonganoxie; Ben Morgenstern, Baldwin; Nate Panagakis, De Soto; Owen Tuckfield, Baldwin; Ryan Ware, Wellsville; Tucker Wilson, Lawrence.