Nine area wrestlers top-ranked by KWCA this week

As the 2019-20 Kansas State High School Wrestling season has transpired, the number of area wrestlers who have ascended to the top of the individual rankings in their respective weight classes has indeed grown.

In the latest Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association poll, released on Tuesday, a total of nine area wrestlers held such a spot, many of which will get tested this weekend at the annual Rocky Welton Tournament in Garden City.

There are two wrestlers in Class 3-2-1A who have earned the top spot this week in their respective weight classes - Goodland's DJ Knox at 106 pounds, and Cimarron's Tate Seabolt at 170 pounds. Other area grapplers ranked in weight classes include Jesse Gardner of Wichita County (4th at 160) and Kayden Christiansen of Lakin (4th at 182).

Of the four individuals ranked in the Girls Wrestling rankings, Lakin's Isabelle Ortiz has ascended to the top of the 109-pound weight class. Ortiz is among four area wrestlers ranked this week - which includes Lakin's Josiah Ortiz (3rd at 101), Amelia Martinez of Holcomb (4th at 109) and Anjelina Serrano of Garden City (4th at 130).

Lakin continues to hold on to its spot in the Top 10 Girls Wrestling team rankings. It's the third week the Broncs have been ranked as a team, and the second consecutive week they have been ranked No. 3.

In Class 4A, Scott Community holds onto the No. 4 spot, while Ulysses moves back into the rankings at No. 10.

The Beavers have two top-ranked wrestlers in their respective weight classes - Kaden Wren at 138 and Justus McDaniel at 145. Also from Scott Community in the individual rankings this week are Zach Rohrbough (6th at 126), Noah Kliessn (6th at 152) and Gabe Bowers (5th at 285).

Ulysses is led by the top-ranked wrestler at 285 pounds in Ayston Perez. Quentin Pauda is ranked 3rd at 106 pounds, and Jace Garrison is ranked 6th at 220 pounds.

Colby also has three wrestlers who are ranked individually - Tyler Voss (5th at 120), Hagan Booi (2nd at 195) and Decian Ryan (6th at 285).

In Class 6A, the individual rankings are littered with wrestlers from both No. 2 Garden City and No. 4 Dodge City, including three who are at the top of their weight classes.

The Buffaloes have two of the top-ranked wrestlers in 120-pounder Silas Pineda and 138-pounder Jacob Holt. Other Garden City wrestlers who are ranked include Ryan Heiman (4th at 126), Diego Hernandez (3rd at 132), Erik Dominguez (6th at 145), Josh Janas (2nd at 152), Jared Arrelano (4th at 160), Alexavier Rodriguez (5th at 170) and Matt Smith (5th at 220).

Red Demon sophomore Damian Martinez is ranked No. 1 at 113 pounds. Other Dodge City wrestlers who are ranked individually are Garrett Edwards (2nd at 145), Luke Barker (4th at 152), Marcelino Otero (2nd at 160), Jashon Taylor (3rd at 170), Ryan Parga (6th at 182) and Cody Terrell (6th at 285).