From the Capital-Journal:
HAYS —
After missing out on family bragging rights a year ago, Rossville’s Kody
Davoren is getting another shot to join older brother Kole as a state
championship wrestler.
The younger Davoren knocked off No. 1-ranked Dillon Dunn on
Friday to advance to the 220-pound finals in the Class 3-2-1A state tournament
at Gross Memorial Coliseum. He will meet Osage City’s Dane Whalen on Saturday.
Kody Davoren is looking to follow in the footsteps of Kole, who
was a state champion for Rossville in 2016.
“Last year, I was really hoping to win state to have bragging
rights over him — win state twice when he only won it once,” Davoren said.
“He was a good wrestler. Really strong, and in good shape. He
got a win, hopefully I can get a win, too.”
In the semifinal match with WaKeeney-Trego’s Dunn, Davoren
credited his patience and cardio for enabling him to earn the 5-2 decision.
“At Rossville, we’re known for our shape,” Davoren said. “I knew
he was a good wrestler. I saw that he was really good in the front-head
position, so I didn’t want to take a shot super early when he’s got full
strength. I waited and wore him down a little bit, waited until the second,
third period, took him down, wore him out.”
Davoren (38-3) will look to cap off a standout career with a
championship on Saturday.
“It’s incredible,” Davoren said. “I’ve been working four years.
I started wrestling my freshman year with the goal of being a state champion.”
Whalen earned his spot into the finals with a 5-1 win over Norton’s Judson
Wiltfong. The junior improved to 34-4 on the season.
