Local wrestling stars shine again at Class 6A state

OVERLAND PARK (KSNT) – Conquering state is a familiar feeling for these athletes.

It’s difficult to win just one state title, let alone, two, three or even four.

For Manhattan senior Caeleb Hutchinson, he achieved something that not many can reach, becoming a four-time state champ at 150 pounds. Being on top is something Hutchinson is familiar with, as he continues to prove that no match is to big for him.

“It’s always the next match for him, nothing really rattles him,” Manhattan wrestling head coach Shawn Bammes told 27 Sports. “Can’t be more proud of someone in our program to earn something like that than Caeleb, because of all the work he’s put in over the years and what he means to our program.”

“I’m very happy with all the hard work, it paid off and I’m just glad it’s done and over with an the deal is sealed,” Hutchinson said.

For Washburn Rural, Landen Kocher-Munoz earned his third state title. He won in the 144-pound weight class in a 7-1 decision against Maize’s Talon Verbeck.

“I owe everything to my team,” Kocher-Munoz said. “I don’t take credit for anything, this is them, and I’m glad I was a part of it.”

“We were prepared for these type of situations and the boys showed it,” Washburn Rural boy’s wrestling head coach Josh Hogan said.

On the girls side, Junction City’s Julianna Villanueva made school history. She became only the second athlete, girl or boy, to become a three-time state champion. Villanueva capped the season off at the top with gold and a undefeated 36-0 record.

Manhattan’s Alayna Slifer capped off her wrestling career with her second-straight state title in the 135 pound weight class.

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