Six Emporia High wrestlers appear in the preseason Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association Class 5A rankings in their respective weight classes, led by senior James Sparks, who is ranked as the No. 1 wrestler in the 215-pound weight class.
Perhaps not by coincidence is the fact that all six Spartans that received rankings are the six returning State-qualifiers from last season. Sparks finished second at State last season with a 27-2 record overall, with the only two losses coming to Valley Center’s Justin Naccarato, who has since graduated.
Other Spartans ranked were No. 5 Justin Rose at 103 pounds, No. 6 Sal Tovar at 112 pounds, No. 6 Tavo Dikin at 119 pounds, No. 4 Bryce Shaver at 145 pounds and No. 2 Josh Rodriguez at 275 pounds.
The Spartans kick off the 2006-07 season today with the Arkansas City Tournament. Emporia High is coming off a ninth-place finish at last year’s State tournament, led by the six returning qualifiers.