Advertise on podcast: Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association

Darby Weidl became a national finalist and two-time All-American at Ottawa University after an outstanding high school career at Ottawa High, where she was a state runner-up and champion. She was named KWCA College Senior Wrestler of the Year for the NAIA women's division.

Brogan Monty completed his high school career with four state titles at Beloit High School. He is now in the college ranks at Colorado State University - Pueblo.

Tad Forsyth is settling into college life at the University of Nebraska after an outstanding high school career at Blue Valley Southwest, where he won two state championships. Hear from the 5A Senior Wrestler of the Year.

Tyler Cordts has built the Gardner-Edgerton program into a contender year after year in both the boys and girls programs. He led the girls to a 6A runner-up performance at last year's state tournament.

2026 Hall of Fame induction speeches. Doug Broadfoot retires after thirty-one years as Hall of Fame Chair (0:03). David Brown (Into by Brett Kramer 1:35, Start 5:10), Shawn Bunch (Intro by Kevin Klemm 15:36, Start 26:00), Joe Johnston (Intro by Kevin Klemm 31:50, Start 39:39). KWCA President Jay Johnston closes the ceremony (47:00).

David Brown spent over three decades as a teacher, coach, and administrator. He brought the Ft. Scott program to prominence and has led a surprising number of his former charges into the teaching and coaching profession.

The East Kansas Wrestling Club was an important part of both Shawn Bunch and Joe Johnston, who are being inducted to the KWCA Hall of Fame this year. Coach Kevin Klemm joins the podcast to talk about his time leading the club.

Joe Johnston was recently named head coach at the Air Force Academy. His path started at Shawnee Mission East High School where he won two state titles and continued to the University of Iowa where he was a two-time All-American. He also had coaching stops at Cornell (IA) and Mizzou. Johnston's college coach Jim Zalesky and Mizzou's Brian Smith also join in.

Meet 2026 Hall of Fame inductee, Shawn Bunch. State champion for Leavenworth, NCAA DI All-American for Edinboro, World Team member for Team USA, professional MMA fighter.

KWCA President Jay Johnston joins the podcast to talk about the upcoming fall clinic and also fills listeners in on an exciting announcement about a continued partnership with Ft. Hays State University.

Beau Welch was named 2026 KWCA 5A Girls Administrator of the Year. Emporia is one of the most tradition-rich town and schools in the state of Kansas and Mr. Welch has helped keep it running strong.

One of the most respected officials in the state, Denny Kolvek, joins the podcast. He was named 2026 KWCA Official of the Year

Nichole Moore was a State champion for Nickerson High School during the first year that the sport was sanctioned in Kansas, and this past spring, she qualified for the first NCAA Women's national tournament for Ft. Hays State University. The current Washburn University Law School student reflects on her career. She was named 2026 KWCA College Senior Wrestler of the Year for NCAA Women.

Tyler Gonzales has rich and varied experiences in the sport of wrestling. Last year, he took the Maize Eagles to the top with a 6A State championship. This year, he was named 6A Coach of the Year for the boys in addition to being named National Wrestling Hall of Fame Coach of the Year for Kansas. Coach Gonzales currently serves as KWCA Vice-President.

Manhattan's Caleb is settling into life as a college freshman at the University of Illinois. The four-time State champion will be competing for a spot in the Fighting Ilini line-up at 141 pounds.