The odds of competing at state are fairly slim for any varsity wrestler. But defying those odds as freshmen, Hawken Andrews and Braedon Speer represented the boys wrestling team Friday in Salina.

While they lost their two matches, their accomplishment of qualifying is still noteworthy.

“Qualifying as freshmen is extremely hard,” head coach Miles Cleveland said. “Especially at their weight classes this season. The program requires kids like them to keep this thing going long term, and I can’t wait for their futures.”

Andrews wrestled in the 120-pound bracket. He was defeated in his first match 10-5 by Cash Wilderman from Frontenac.

Andrews wrestled again on the back side of the bracket against Hayden Kalivoda from Clay Center Community. He was defeated via pinfall.

Although his performance wasn’t what he hoped, Andrews took in the moment on the big stage and is ready to get back to work.

“I thought it was pretty cool, and it was a whole new experience,” Andrews said. “Now I’m ready to go for next season.”

Coming into the tournament with a dislocated hip and sprained ankle, Speer showed grit competing in the 175-pound bracket. 

“There were some difficult bumps to get through to make it here,” Speer said. “I pushed through those and tried my hardest.”

Speer faced the No.1 seed in his bracket, Tucker Jackson from Clay Center Community, right out of the gate. He was pinned in the first period.

“I was definitely nervous going in,” Speer said. “I just told myself going in, ‘I’m a freshman. No one is expecting me to win.’ So I just gave it everything I had.”

Despite his lingering injuries, Speer regrouped in his second match against Devon Vincent from Coffeyville-Field Kindley and controlled the match going to the second period. 

“I went in knowing that I had to win to make it to the second day,” Speer said.

The high ankle sprain kept Speer from maneuvering properly as the match went on, leading to Vincent pinning Speer to advance.

“I couldn’t put pressure on my foot so I was one legging it,” Speer said.

Cleveland said he was “extremely proud” of his team.

“They just gotta keep working hard and build off what they did this season,” he said.

Both Andrews and Speer will return to take the next step in their state championship goals as sophomores next season.

Reach reporter Dylan Funk at [email protected].

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