Let me begin this post by admitting that being from Oakley I am biased toward the NWKL and Oakley inparticular. That being said, I would like to comment on the situation at 125 using the facts as I know them (not attempting to knock any other wrestlers). Levi Younkin from Oakley was second at state as a freshman,and the state champion last year (defeating Lloyd in the finals). Yes he had a subpar weekend at the Hays tournament losing to Ortiz, and Deeds from Goodland (who he has defeated numerous times). He has since gone on to win the NWKL tournament (including Lloyd and Baker),defeated Lloyd head to head last year and this year as well as Baker. Baker needs no intro. as the son of Coach Baker and the defending state champion at another weight. Lloyd comes from a great wrestling tradition in SF and a wrestling family. He finished second in state to Younkin last year. Weatherbee was second at state to Baker last year and won the Hays tournament which included Lloyd and Baker..his one loss is also to Ortiz. Monnington has never placed at state. I know he beat Geske, but Geske has lost other matches also. We (Junction) saw him at Basehor and he finished 5th. Just not enouth credentials to crack the top 4. Based on toughness of schedule, head to head match-ups, and previous state finishes, I will predict the following:
1)Younkin-Oakley
2)Baker-Hoxie
3)Weatherbee-TMP
4)Lloyd-St. Francis
5)Monnington-Herington
Of course, the way the state bracket is set up can greatly effect this and this is by no means set in stone, that's why we wrestle'em. All I do know for sure is that it's going to be a barn burner and I wish I could be there to see it! Best of luck to all the 125'ers.
John Steiger-Junction City High School