Kansas Class of 2022
Kansas reloads again! 2020 saw eleven wrestlers sign with D1 programs followed by six last year. This class is a diamond in the rough. The honorable mention group could all be considered top ten. It is my pleasure to introduce to you, the Class of 2022!
1. QUENTIN SAUNDERS – GODDARD
Anticipated High School Weight: 182
Anticipated College Weight: 174
Analysis: You would be hard pressed to find another Kansas wrestler with a more decorated kid’s career than Quentin Saunders. With multiple national Schoolboy championships and strings of unbeaten years, we couldn’t wait to see his splash at the high school level. The results have been stunning. Nationally ranked with an 97-1 record and three straight state titles, “Q” is ready to add his name to Kansas four timer history. The Bears of Northern Colorado are getting another elite Kansan!
Words from the Corner: Quentin is an amazing athlete who excels in both wrestling and football. Being a part of his success has been a highlight of my coaching career! – Head Coach Jason Brown
2. JERRDON FISHER – GODDARD
Anticipated High School Weight: 152
Anticipated College Weight: 149
Analysis: “The Fisher boys from Goddard” has rolled off the lips of fans in Kansas for years. Jerrdon might be the best one yet. With a career record of 88-10 he’s been virtually unstoppable winning back-to- back state titles on the heels of an NHSCA finalist finish. Get a front row seat for this kids future!
Words from the Corner: Jerrdon has the entire package. Speed, quickness, work ethic, determination and wrestling IQ we all dream of having on our team. "The Best is Yet to Come" for Jerrdon and his wrestling career. – Head Coach Brett Means
3. DAMIAN MENDEZ – DODGE CITY
Anticipated High School Weight: 132
Anticipated College Weight: 133
Analysis: Damian carries a 103-8 record into his encore season. Well known on the national scene as a USAW and Fargo AA, he has been a literal wrecking ball on many of our state all-star teams. After watching him in countless brawls on the mat, I’m convinced he is a “can’t miss” college recruit!
Words from the Corner: Damian Mendez is a naturally gifted wrestler. He can see something one time and be able to replicate it at competition speed almost immediately. He is someone who loves wrestling and competing. He is excited to and looks forward to wrestling high caliber opponents and wants to always challenge himself. – Head Coach Tate Lowe
4. HAYDEN MILLS – BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST
Anticipated High School Weight: 132
Anticipated College Weight: 133
Analysis: Building a career 116-11 record on his way to two state titles and a finalist finish, Hayden has been nothing short of spectacular. I remember watching him in that tough bracket as a freshman thinking he was under the radar. Next thing you know, he was holding the bracket on the medal stand. He will have many choices at the next level!
Words from the Corner: Hayden Mills is one of the most dynamic and explosive offensive wrestlers I have seen or coached. His ability to score and finish from any side of the body makes him very difficult to stop in the neutral position. He has worked hard to fine tune his top and bottom game to prepare for wrestling at the next level. His leadership and mindset have helped push the SW wrestling program to new levels. – Head Coach Cody Parks
5. BRETT UMENTUM – BLUE VALLEY SOUTHWEST
Anticipated High School Weight: 160
Anticipated College Weight: 157
Analysis: A three-time finalist and 2020 state champion, Brett has a 116-11 career record. Some call him the thunder of the one-two punch with his teammate Mills being the lightning. Ask that Summer Scuffle team how Brett dominated at 160 after wrestling the season at 145! This training machine will fit in perfect in any college wrestling room.
Words from the Corner: Brett Umentum is one of the most underrated wrestlers in the state of Kansas. He is not flashy, so he stays under the radar. He is a technician that stays in great wrestling positions and his physical strength is off the charts. He systematically picks his opponents apart and excels in all positions giving him multiple ways to score. He carries straight A’s in the classroom and he has developed into a leader that pushes himself and others to get better every practice. – Head Coach Cody Parks
6. GRAYSON SONNTAG – TONGANOXIE
Anticipated High School Weight: 138
Anticipated College Weight: 133/141
Analysis: With a 113-8 career record, Grayson is a 3X placer and 2020 state champion. Much of his success was a well kept secret until the 2021 USAW folkstyle nationals, where he steamrolled his way to the finals, finishing 2nd in the country at 126 pounds. Keep your eye on him to pick up where he left off in 2022!
Words from the Corner: Grayson is an outstanding student with a work ethic that will match. Shows up daily with a great attitude ready to do his best to push his training partners and the rest of his team. He is working hard right now to meet his goals for this upcoming season. I really enjoy having Grayson as a part of our program he’s a huge part of our team on and off the mat. - Head Coach Brett Delich
7. SAM ELLIOTT – BUHLER
Anticipated High School Weight: 160
Anticipated College Weight: 157
Analysis: Talk about under the radar. Sam won his first state title in 2020 with a 38-2 record. I kept getting e-mails about this Buhler, KS kid. I finally got on board last year and what a sight! He ran the table, 42-0 with 34 pins, bringing home his second title. Enough said!
Words from the Corner: Sam is a highly motivated athlete who excels on the mat as well as in the classroom. He’s a great team leader and is a joy to coach. – Head Coach Mike Juby
8. EASTON TAYLOR – MANHATTAN
Anticipated High School Weight: 132
Anticipated College Weight: 133
Analysis: Easton has a 107-13 career record, placing all three years including a state title in 2020. With many acclaimed wins, including two on this list, he is on another collision course to meet Damian Mendez in the 6A finals. Expect it!
Words from the Corner: Easton’s talents have placed him on multiple national level competitions including National Duals and Fargo. On the mat, his physicality and attitude will prepare him for the next level as he plans to wrestle in college. Easton will be returning to the 132-weight class and has his sights set on getting back to the State finals for the 3rd year in a row. – Head Coach Shawn Bammes
9. BLAKE JOURET – OLATHE SOUTH
Anticipated High School Weight: 195
Anticipated College Weight: 184
Analysis: A great Kansas wrestling family has turned out another gem! Blake has 96 wins in high school, coming off a 35-0 state championship run as a junior. He is one of those rare pure athletes that are a blast to watch. Stay out of this kids’ way!
Words from the Corner: Blake is coming off one of the greatest single seasons I’ve witnessed in high school wrestling. He went undefeated and did not surrender a single offensive point throughout the entire season outside of escapes. Blake is quite possibly the most physically gifted athlete to ever enter our program, but he’s also one of the most passionate about wrestling. He loves the sport and is a sponge for technique. I am so excited to watch Blake’s last ride from the corner during his senior year. Incredible wrestler, and an even better kid. – Head Coach Conor Fitzgerald
10. MATTHEW RODRIGUEZ – SOUTHEAST SALINE
Anticipated High School Weight: 182
Anticipated College Weight: 174
Analysis: Each year, our smaller Kansas schools produce tenacious wrestlers. Rodriguez earned his way on this list with a career 107-8 record. Colleges checked their lists when he beat our #1 Saunders in the USAW national recruiting showcase in March. This kid is a workout machine with a huge future!
Words from the Corner: Matthew makes everyone in our practice room better. Not only is Matthew a leader on the wrestling team, but he is also a leader on the football team where he plays RB and LB. He also plays on the SES baseball team in the spring and is a member of FFA. He is an awesome kid who loves hanging out with his friends and family, building a great relationship with an old coach like me! – Head Coach Chuck Schremmer
Honorable Mention:
Kaden Glass – Goddard
Kolton Misener – Chanute
Jacob Tangpricha – Washburn Rural
Wyatt Weber – Great Bend
Bubba Wright – Kapaun Mt. Carmel
Last edited by Chief Renegade; 10/27/21 07:38 PM.
