Here is an interesting article on the top wrestling families in the nation based on college, World, and Olympic wrestling.
http://www.wrestling411usa.com/NewsDetail.aspx?id=3295
Kinda makes me wonder, what are your opinions of the greatest wrestling families in KANSAS history?
It would have to be the Metzler family. Not just because of Luke, Gabe and Seth, but they are cousins with Cody Garcia, Judd Schroder and Zach Roberson. They also have uncles that were good back in the day.
In Kansas the McCormick family is pretty good.
If looking at impact on the sport, I would go with a couple of old timers, The Bontz, of WWC and the Herrington, family of Derby really helped get wrestling started in this state. The old timer Skip actually got Freestyle / Greco started and to my understanding was right there alongside Tom Faust from Derby and got the first kids programs started. If having to look at contributions to the sport, I would go with these two families, alongside, Tom Faust, three that I bet many of the younger wrestlers don't know about.
I believe the Keller's from St Francis would deserve a nomination. All of these wrestlers are decendents of my great grand parents.
Thier sons.
Ed Keller-Won the first match in Sainty history, member of Kansas wrestling hall of fame. Wrestled at K-State. Never got to participate in State Tourney.
Robert Keller-State Champ 1938
Elton Keller-State Champ 1947-48
GRANDSONS
M John Keller-State Placer
Don Keller-State Champ 1960
Stan Keller-State Placer
Tom Keller-State Champ 1966
Bill Keller State Champ 1967-68
Richard Keller
Jorn Keller
Dan Keller State Champ 1971-72
Perry Keller State Champ 1975,
GREAT GRANDSONS
Mark Keller
Matt Keller
Clay Keller-State Placer 1988
Shannon Keller-State Qualifier 1989. Assistant coach at Washburn Rural.
Jim Keller-State Placer 1996-97
Grant Keller
John Keller (wrestled at Pratt)
Nick Keller
Gabe Gienger -State Qualifier
Jordan Gienger-State Placer 2005-06
GREAT GRANDSONS
John Keller
Carl Keller
Luke Keller
Kyle Douglass (wrestled at Norton)
Darris Keller
More Kids and Jr High wrestlers currently. Several of these guys wrestled in college. Some were national placers.
I am probably forgeting someone that is all I can think of right now. Not boasting, we are just really proud of our wrestling heritage.
The Deshazer family would have to be in the mix somewhere...
Danny (2x high school champ)
Tristen (4x champ, highschool AA)
Daniel Jr.
Kesean
Ulysesus sp?
and I'm sure I'm forgetting some other Deshazers
The Eck Family is pretty rich in wrestling around the state of Kansas
Pete, Zack, Levi, Colton, etc...Theres a TON of them in Kansas
The Bahe family should be in the mix with Bryce, Blaze, and Brett and there father Randy each having great high school carears and Brett still have one.This family has 5 kids titles and 5 finalist in high school coming away with 3 title and couldcadd another one this year. And a 5th place showing at High school nationals.
Ark city has had some duo's the hernandez and bahms pretty good
If looking at impact on the sport, I would go with a couple of old timers, The Bontz, of WWC and the Herrington, family of Derby really helped get wrestling started in this state. The old timer Skip actually got Freestyle / Greco started and to my understanding was right there alongside Tom Faust from Derby and got the first kids programs started. If having to look at contributions to the sport, I would go with these two families, alongside, Tom Faust, three that I bet many of the younger wrestlers don't know about.
you could also add in the Grater family! they have done so much for the sport of wrestling in Kansas and all over
My family has had a pretty decent history, although not that long. A few of my relatives would include:
Devin Schwartz-4x placer, runner up, 1x champion, highschool AA
Justin Schwartz-3x placer, runner up
Mike Schridde-2x placer, 1x champion
Joe Schridde-2x placer, runner up
Jenny Schridde- 7 time kids placer, 4 time kids finalist, 1 time champion, 3 time womens national placer- runner-up
Dale Henning- 1x champion
Daryl Henning- 2x runner up, national champion for FHSU
Jimmie Weber- runner up
Chad Ohnmacht- 2x runner up
Brandon Chansler- state placer
Jared Chansler (me):P- state placer
Also Jeremy Vath married into my family that adds I believe 3x highschool Champ and Collegiate AA
There are many others in there that I have forgotten about.
Another great family in Kansas wrestling are the Hahn's from Norton. I don't have all the info at my fingertips now but I believe they are related to many of the other great families in Norton's wrestling past.
There were the Kosters from Hoxie back in the day. Chad was a state champ. Eric was a two time runner-up. I believe Peter and Adam were both one time champs and one time runner-ups. Their cousin Dylan Campbell from Oakley was a champ. And I think Jace Campbell that is ranked this year at #112 is also a relative.
Beloit has the Engelberts and Hewitts
I forgot about my other cousin Jason Walton- runner up
How about the Seger triplets from Ulysses. Earl, Verle, and Merle? I don't know the exact information but they were tough trio back in the late 70's and early 80's.
Coach Garcia from hutch, was talkin about how his wife has had 14 state champs in the family! Roberson, Schroeder, Garcia, Metzler.
The hull family, 1950's Jim, Bill Hull Wichita East, 80's Marc, Dave hull. Drakes, Chris, Todd, Chad. Alley's, Terry, Dave and the oldest Alley brother.
Yea, and don't forget the Wells family from Derby
What about the BYE family. Don't know where they are from. And they never win but they are always around and plenty of them.