TONGANOXIE — In a program rich with wrestling tradition, Brady Martin just carved out his own place in Tonganoxie history. 

The Tonganoxie senior captured the Frontier League title at 165 pounds last weekend and surpassed every wrestler before him to become the program’s all-time wins leader with 153 career victories, doing so while defeating two state-ranked opponents in the process. 

“Brady has worked hard over the years and committed to being the best that he could be,” Tonganoxie head coach Brett Delich said. “I am very proud of Brady in what he just achieved becoming the all-time wins leader. This is a huge accomplishment here at Tonganoxie because there has been some incredible wrestlers walk the hallways of THS.” 

Martin entered the league tournament as the No. 3 seed behind Bonner Springs’ Lane Vogel and Paola’s Bodhi Shay, but quickly flipped the bracket on its head. 

In the opening round, Martin delivered a statement performance, defeating Vogel — the No. 2-ranked wrestler in Class 5A — by an 11-1 major decision. A few rounds later, he squared off with Shay, who was ranked No. 1 in Class 4A, and earned a hard-fought 4-2 decision in one of the tournament’s marquee matches.

“Yes this past weekend at league was a tough tournament for Brady,” Delich said. “Brady wrestled lights out. He can still be better and capitalize on a few opportunities where he needs to score. Last weekend was a testament to our daily work and the strength in a schedule that has him prepared to win the tough matches.” 

Martin capped his run with a pin of Eudora’s Brycon Speer in the final round to secure the league championship. Following the performance, he climbed to No. 1 in the latest Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association rankings at 165 pounds in Class 4A. 

The success continues a standout career for Martin, who has been a fixture in the Tonganoxie program and a consistent state medal contender. Still, a state championship has narrowly eluded him. He finished runner-up twice and third once, fueling his motivation heading into his final postseason. 

“Brady’s hard work, determination, and will to win has made him so successful over the years,” Delich said. “He’s finished second, third, second, so that first state title is important to him. At the beginning of the year we decided to focus on the process and become the best he can be in late February. At that point, the chips will fall where they fall and he will know he did his absolute best.” 

Other wrestling standouts: 

 

• Gardner-Edgerton senior Roman Clouse won his 150th career match this past weekend during the Sunflower League Duals at home. Clouse, who has committed to wrestle at Minnesota State next season, is currently ranked No. 3 in Class 6A at 150 pounds and No. 5 in all classes. 

• Both the KC-Washington boys and girls programs made school history last week as both won the Meadowlark Conference tournament for the first time. The Wildcats are especially thriving on the girls side as they have three state ranked wrestlers in Class 5A in Reddi Johnson (No. 3, 130 pounds), Genessa Fierro (No. 4, 135) and Jaida Hawkins (No. 2, 170). 
   

  

• The Basehor-Linwood boys won the United Kansas Conference title for the second straight season with seven individual league champions. One of those was junior 138-pounder Cael Puderbaugh who earned win No. 100 at the league tournament. Puderbaugh is currently ranked No. 1 in Class 5A and No. 2 in all classes. 
   

  

• Basehor-Linwood junior Lainie Galvan earned a milestone of her own as she also recorded win No. 100 as she became a 3-time United Kansas Conference girls champion last week. She is 22-4 on the season and currently ranked No. 2 in Class 5A at 105 pounds. 
   

  

• Tonganoxie’s Autumn Wilson captured her third Frontier League title last week and is closing in on 150 wins. The Chieftain senior is currently ranked No. 1 in Class 4A at 120 pounds. 
   

  

• Frontenac junior Harper Holmes recorded win No. 100 last weekend at the Circle Tournament and helped the Raiders to a first place team finish. Holmes is currently ranked No. 2 at 110 pounds in Class 4A. 
   

  

• Louisburg’s Brooklyn DeWeese made school history last week at the Frontier League Invitational. DeWeese went 3-0 with three pins at 135 pounds to become the school’s first-ever league champion in girls wrestling.  
   

  

• Shawnee Mission South’s Rachael Wilson earned win No. 100 last week at the Sunflower League Tournament. Wilson is currently ranked No. 2 in Class 6A at 135 pounds.