Free State sophomore Madyson Gray competes in the championship match of the girls state wrestling tournament Thursday afternoon at Tony’s Pizza Events Center in Salina on Feb. 27, 2020.

Wrestler of the year: Madyson Gray, Free State

Gray became the Journal-World’s first girls wrestler of the year after a monumental year in the inaugural season of sanctioned girls wrestling. Gray, a sophomore, became Free State’s first-ever girls wrestling state champion this winter. She won all 34 of her matches, clinching a league title, regional title and state crown in the process.

First-team selections

Abby Afful, Lawrence High — Afful fell short of making it to the state meet, but she finished her first year in girls wrestling with more wins than losses. Afful went 9-7 for the Lions in the 130-pound weight class, which included a pair of wins at the regional meet.

Holly Colvert, Tonganoxie — Competing in wrestling for the first time, Colvert eventually hit her stride by the end of the year. Colvert placed fourth in the 191-pound weight class at the state meet, which included three wins in the consolation bracket. Colvert concluded her season with a 29-9 record.

Audrey Darnell, Baldwin — Even though Darnell finished shy of making it to state, it was still a strong season for the freshman wrestler. Competing in the 136-pound weight class, Darnell went 24-8 and recorded 19 of those wins by fall. She placed third at the Frontier League meet as well.

Emma Grossoehme, Baldwin — In her junior campaign, Grossoehme went 28-8 and won 19 of her matches by fall. She was a Frontier League champion, while placing fourth at regionals and earning top-eight finish at the state meet in the 143-pound weight class. Grossoehme, who was also a captain, was the team leader in points with 74.

Madi Hargett, Baldwin — It was an impressive freshman season for Hargett, who went 18-14 in the 235-pound weight class. Hargett qualified for the state meet after placing fifth at regionals. She also secured a third-place finish at the league meet. Hargett posted a team-high 12 reversals this year.