By Ken Hansard

Zach Wessley’s wrestling career could quite easily be summed up in one word – growth. The Goddard High senior wrestled at 132 as a freshman, 145 as a sophomore, at 157 as a junior, and now, as a senior standing at nearly 6’2”, Wessley wrestles at 175. But Wessley’s growth is not just physical. It encompasses an all-around maturation in attitude and skills, as well.

Wessley has needed that maturity early on this season, as he has struggled to rebound from breaking his hand wrestling at finals at the Gardner- Edgerton Invitational. Wessley used his time off the mat to help lead his teammates, and he is looking forward to another great year with the Lions. “I am very excited for everyone to see what our team has to offer when regionals and state rolls around because I believe we have one of the best teams in the state.”

The Lions’ wrestling tradition runs deep, and Wessley is a big reason for their most recent success. Wessley was a state champion as a freshman. As a sophomore, he took third at state, and he also captured runner-up as a junior.

The Lions, as a team, won state championships during Wessley’s first two years. After finishing sixth overall last season, Wessley would love to lead Goddard back to the top this season. “I would say I am one of the leaders on the team… I’m just looking forward to state because I’m confident in my ability to win, and better yet, our team I think there’s a great chance that our team will bring the state championship trophy back home where it belongs.” 

Wessley, who led the Lions in total pins as a junior, is currently ranked number one in class 5A at 175. He plans to continue wrestling in college.