Will Cokeley
Bob Gonzales
Randy Hinderliter
Beau Tillman
Chuck Elvin
Ned Price


All great candidates. This state has a lot to be thankful for!

My vote would go to Will Cokeley. This year, Will continued to contribute to Kansas wrestling. It has seemed to grow every year, the time, effort and money that he has dedicated to this great sport. The barn that Will had built with wall to wall mats has been a fantastic resource to countless wrestlers who have had the opportunity to learn from Eric Akin, Tony Purler and many others. There is also an annual event that is gaining the attention of the entire state. It started last year when Will organized two full teams of 43 Middle School kids to wrestle in the National Middle School Duals. Since then, I continue to hear from the wrestlers and parents that made the trip. It was something they will never forget. The impact Freshmen that were on those teams last year include, Chase Nitcher, Derek Weller, Parker Madl, Lucas Vincent, Brock Heithaus, Sean Gaither, Mark Kolmer, Koty Russell, John Hambleton, Jonathan Truman, Kyle Caylor, Benny Armstrong, Jake Walker, Blaine Smith as well as my son Tanner Johnson and many others. There were 12 of those Middle School kids who ended up placing at High School State! This year, Will invested countless hours in taking OVER 60 Middle School wrestlers to Iowa for the National Duals. As witnessed on this board, there were rave reviews. I am sure there will be 20 to 30 impact freshmen from that years group.

Any of those that have been mentioned would be great choices for Man of the Year. Will Cokeley has my vote for this year.

- Eric Johnson