I doubt we will ever reach a consensus on the 25 best wrestlers in the history of Kansas high school wrestling, let alone the best. Many of the names already listed would be included on my top 25 list. But I feel some other deserving candidates have been overlooked, so I'll throw them out in no particular order.

Wayne Shepard (Hoxie) Wayne was the first 3x state champ in Hoxie history during the late 1950s. His son Lance was a 2x champ.

the late Steve Pope (Hoxie). Steve was a 3x state champ in the early 1970's and gave the aforementioned 4x champ Doug Duell his only loss in high school. Steve was a pure talent who worked harder at drinking beer than wrestling. His potential was unlimited, but he never saw the need to train.

Current Hoxie head coach and Goodland grad Kirk Baker. Kirk was a 2x champ, 2x runner-up, grand state champ and grand state runner-up. And I can tell you from first hand practice room experience that he was just as good 12 years later when he beat the tar out of me on a daily basis.

Steve Lampe was a 3x state champ at Colby HS before earning All-American honors at Iowa State. He also placed 2nd at the US world team trials on two occassions and just missed a spot on the US olympic team - as he retired and then witnessed an invidual he beat earlier in the year make the olympic freestyle team.

Troy Sporer of Oakley was a 3x state champ and barely missed a fourth state title.

Matt Treaster of Beloit was a 4x state champ.

Mark Hewitt of Beloit was a 3x state champ.

Todd Drake of Andover lost his very first high school match and did not lose again en route to winning four state titles. I believe he also earned All-American honors in college - at Central Oklahoma??.

Todd Layton was a 4x state champ for Independence and went on to wrestle for Notre Dame. If memory serves me correctly he was a NCAA DI All-American.

Dave Canfield was a three time state champ for Concordia and he also placed in the top three as a junior.

Wes Harding (SE Saline)was a 3x state champ and 1x runner-up.

Billy Gable was a 4x state champ and his brother, Kelly, was a 3x state champ and 1x runner-up. Kelly also placed 2nd at HS nationals.

I feel any of these names - along with many others that have not yet been mentioned - could contend with the many fine candidates already mentioned for a spot on Kansas' "All-Time Team".