BHS senior wrestlers Andrew Morgan and Colton Bonner were declared 4A state wrestling champions in Salina, helping BHS to a highest ever sixth place team finish.

Morgan (132 lbs.) has been wrestling in Baldwin for several years.

“I started wrestling around my sixth or seventh grade year,” Morgan said. “I’d say it’s been about seven years since I started.”

Both wrestlers have improved tremendously since they started their high school wrestling careers. As a freshman Bonner had a record of 6-22, this year his record was 44-4. Morgan’s freshman record was 21-24 and his record this year was 43-9.

Morgan has been waiting for this championship since he was a freshman.

“When I qualified for state my freshman year I knew that I wanted a championship,” Morgan said.

Bonner (220 lbs.) was ecstatic after winning the state championship.

“It was the happiest moment of my life, it was amazing,” Bonner said.

Both wrestlers have been involved in the BHS wrestling program since their freshman year, and have some great advice for younger wrestlers.

“You’ve got to come focused and you’ve got to tell yourself you can do it and let nothing stand in your way,” Bonner said.

Morgan plans to continue wrestling when he attends Benedictine College, a brand new collegiate wrestling program. Bonner plans to attend Pittsburg State University and study criminal justice.

The Bulldogs had a record setting state tournament this year with 2 state champions, 3 finalists, and a sixth place team finish with 75.5 points.

Several of the Bulldogs made great runs at the state title. Former state champion junior Bryce Shoemaker (126 lbs.) placed second in his weight class, and junior Jason Von Bargen and freshman Jon Pratt were both a match within placing. Sophomore Tucker Clark and senior Cody Sellers also competed in the state tournament both going 0-2 in very difficult brackets.