Park Hill junior Erik Egstad is the defending state champion in the 106-weight class.
KANSAS CITY – Led by a defending champion, the Park Hill boys’ wrestling team will lean to three state qualifiers who come back.
Erik Egstad won the 106-weight class as a sophomore and has moved to the 113-weight class for his junior campaign. At state last year, Jim Humphrey took sixth place in the 190-weight class and Noah Johnson went 1-2 in the 132-weight class.
“The coaching staff feels like the team is in a much better position than it was in the past,” Park Hill head wrestling coach Jacob Beck said. “The overall ability level is improving, and we’re able to work on positions and tactics far more than basic skills; it’s been great.”
Along with those three, Park Hill is bringing back six starters from last year. Those are Mason Brayfield (106), Ryan Egstad (126), Davion Seymour (138), Sammy Mormino (150), Mason Turner (165) and Ethan Hall (215).
“We’re still a young team, but one with far more experience. We’re excited about our growing depth and the leadership that the junior and sophomore classes have shown and we’re ready to see them get out and have a chance to display their skills soon,” Beck said.
Kellen Schanz (120) and Jake Arrington (157) lettered as sophomores last season. Freshmen Caden Brayfield (120) and Chase Johnson (132) also bring young depth to the Trojans.
“It’s exciting to be in a new year. Park Hill wrestling is working to put our name back where it has been in the past. We know program expectations are high, and we have embraced that and are ready to scrap,” Beck said.