Fan 67 -

Thanks for your kind words.

Not sure I can answer the question as I don't get to see the eastern Kansas schools that compete in 4A, 5A or 6A. So all I have to base an opinion on are results against common opponents. But, I'll throw in my thoughts.

This year's Hoxie team has some very talented wrestlers capable of hanging with most anybody on a given night, but their overwhelming strength this season was the consistent level of talent throughout the entire line-up. Which would serve them well in a grand state format, as they have a number of wrestlers capable of scoring big points in about any tournament.

I feel this is what it would take for any team to win a grand state meet this season as the concentration of talent for any one team would most likely be diluted or equalized through the championship side of a bracket.

As for the individual most capable of winning a grand state title for Hoxie this year, I'd have to pick Gilliland. Not saying that he could do it, but it would sure be worth the drive to see him and Earl Jones (who seems to be the consenus pick) go at it.

His previous match with Jones showed he is capable of sticking with Jones as well as anyone has been able to in recent years. And Gilliland may have picked up on something that could aid in overcoming Jones' incredible strength and talent. But that works both ways too as Jones may have done just the same thing. It would be fun to see.

I'd also be curious to see how Norton's Annon and Hoxie's Spillman would do in a grand state. Annon had one loss this season and Spillman had three - all were to each other. Spillman won the Beloit Tournament and Annon won the Newton Tournament.

In terms of individual honors for Hoxie at a grand state, next year might be the year for them to really shine. Gilliland, Schippers, Schippers, Campbell, Shipley and, if healthy, Charlie Ochs would comprise a pretty talented senior class. Not to mention the contribution that will no doubt be received from Farber, M. Schamberger and Baker.

There were a bunch of talented, young team's out there this year, but a core group like Hoxie has coming back might let Baker and Porsch realx a little during the off season.

Congrats to all of this year's state medal winners and team winners in the state of Kansas - you sure made it an exciting year for all of us in the stands. And best of luck to those who will be competing in this year's NHSCA senior nationals - I know your effort and success will make all of us proud.