3-2-1A Senior Wrestler of the Year - 2004

MATT GILLILAND
Hoxie High School

Hoxie’s Matt Gilliland became one of the elite Kansas wrestlers who have been able to win four state golds. Gilliland, who won at 140 pounds this season, put together an impressive 40-1 record in his senior campaign. His four-year career record totaled 145 wins to 8 losses.

After winning his fourth state title, Gilliland wasn’t done as he went on to the High School Senior Nationals in Cleveland, Ohio, and came home as an All-American, placing eighth at 140 pounds. He was also named a 2004 Honorable Mention All-American by USA Wrestling magazine.

During his senior year, Gilliland placed first at Hoxie, NWKL, Phillipsburg, Regionals, and State. He was the runner-up at the Beloit Invitational. He was undefeated at the Goodland and Colby dual tournaments, and was named the Outstanding Wrestler at Colby.

Gilliland helped his Hoxie team win two state team titles and two state runner-up finishes. He also showed success in the classroom as he was honorable mention Academic All-State with a GPA of 3.3

He is currently wrestling for Colby Community College and majoring in Business.