9 February 2024
MAIZE, Kan. (KSNW) — The Maize Eagles are the reigning 5A boys wrestling state champions. This season, they’ve moved up to the Class 6A and currently sit third behind Washburn Rural and Manhattan.
“Last year I felt like 5A was the hardest one. And then we moved up to 6A, and then I felt like that kind of did the exact opposite. So I feel like 6A is probably the hardest,” said Maize boys wrestling head coach Brandon Ball.
Through the tough competition, the Eagles are led by three seniors who are all at the top of their weight classes. Ayden Flores ranks first in 190, Jayden Ford is first in 175, and Ronan Wunsch sits atop 215. The three have a brotherly bond that helps them succeed.
“We work really hard. We’re just trying to get that state title. We’re a little underrated right now, but I know we can do it,” said Wunsch.
The guys are eager to take down anything standing between them and another state championship.
“What Jayden, Ayden and Ronan all have in common is their determination to win,” explained Coach Ball, “It’s really cool to see them becoming leaders, leaders of the team and leaders in the classroom as well,”
Flores already knows what it takes to win. Last season, he secured the Class 5A state title in the 215 weight class. He also holds the school record with nearly 100 pins and has remained undefeated all season.
But his focus always remains on the challenge ahead.
“If I’m ranked or not, it doesn’t really matter to me because at the tournament it’s just really whoever shows up at the tournament,” said Flores.
Ford and Wunsch have both medaled at state, coming in second and third last season. This year, they’re motivated to maintain their top ranking.
“I have never won a state title in my life hopefully this year will be the first,” said Wunsch.
” I stuck with that feeling to have motivation to go in and win it all this year,” explained Ford.
The three Eagles have been wrestling together since they were kids.
“Jayden I think we started when we were eight, nine, and then Ronan since first, second grade. We’re not just teammates, we also hang out all the time on the weekends and stuff so it’s great to see my teammates do great on a high level,” explained Flores.
The guys say that bond helps them on the mat.
“Competitive wise, we hold each other accountable with that because we’ve been working for this since we were little. To come out there and win a state title and get our names out there, it’d be pretty neat,” explained Ford.
As their final year at Maize wraps up their goal is the leave their legacy on the walls of the high school’s weight room. They are currently decorated with the names of state champions and medalists.
“When you look up there, it’s good, because we have kids club that comes in here and they’re able to look at what they could do in the future,” explained Coach Ball.