The 2025 wrestling season kicked off on March 15, 2025, with local athletes from Iola and Humboldt Middle Schools making a notable debut at the Burlington Middle School Cat Classic. This annual event, now in its 25th year, showcased the skills of numerous area wrestlers, many of whom earned medals in their respective weight classes.
Axtin Christensen from Iola dominated the 237 lbs. division, securing first place after a series of impressive matches. He began with a decisive 3-0 victory over teammate Gabe Klubek and followed up with a commanding 5-0 win against another teammate, Jaxon Bernstein, who ultimately took second in the division after defeating Klubek 3-0.
In the 134 lbs. category, Iola’s Milo Franklin experienced a challenging start, suffering a 14-0 technical fall to Carson Slayman from Osawatomie. However, Franklin rebounded with a solid performance against Wesley Cowen of Uniontown, securing a victory that highlighted his resilience.
From Humboldt, heavyweight Orval LeClair made his debut in the 275-293 lbs. category, earning a commendable third place. Fellow teammate Daegan Rodriguez, competing in the 187 lbs. weight class, also secured third place after a mixed day of matches. Rodriguez faced Jett Campbell from Wellsville and suffered an 11-0 technical fall before losing 3-0 to Blaine Hathaway of Uniontown. He ended the day on a high note, overpowering Luke Turner from Bluestem with a 13-4 victory.
This event not only marked the beginning of the wrestling season but also provided a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills and determination. Coaches and supporters expressed pride in the performance of all participants, setting a positive tone for the rest of the season.
As the 2025 wrestling season unfolds, the expectations for Iola and Humboldt wrestlers remain high, with many looking to build on their early successes throughout the upcoming competitions. The Burlington Cat Classic has set an exciting precedent for what lies ahead.
