Wrestlers have big dual with Derby at home tomorrow

Devynn Raile, Reporter

The wrestling squad can clinch a tie for the league title with a victory over Derby on Thursday.

Both teams are 4-0 in league duals heading into the match, which starts at 6 p.m. in the Maize gym.

Maize won the league title last year, the first in school.

“It’s another step toward a league championship,” junior Devin Gomez said of the matchup with Derby. “This is the team to beat, definitely.”

The Eagles will finish the dual season Feb. 7 against Newton, which is 3-1.

The Eagles are third in the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association Class 5A rankings behind Goddard and Arkansas City. Derby is the top-ranked team in Class 6A.

The Eagles are coming a tournament victory over the weekend at Shawnee Mission North. Eleven wrestlers placed at the tournament. That includes first-place finishes from Junior Camacho (113 pounds), Gomez (145 pounds), Carson Wheeler (160 pounds), Kyle Haas (182 pounds) and Jake Quiggle (heavyweight).

The Shawnee Mission tournament was their second win in as many weekends.

“We won them both against very good competition,” coach Mike Schauer said.

Seven Eagles are ranked in the state in their weight classes. Junior Camacho is third at 113, Aiden Campbell is first at 132 pounds, Cayden Hughbanks is sixth at 138, Devin Gomez is first at 145, Carson Wheeler is third at 160, Kyle Haas is first and Jacob Quiggle is fourth. Derby has 10 wrestlers ranked in 6A.

Kyle Haas, sophomore defeats opponent at home last Thursday.