The first ever Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association (KWCA) Kansas Shrine Duals will be held on Sunday, March 17 and two area wrestlers will be featured in the event. The event will be held at Newman University’s Fugate Gymnasium, in Wichita.
Makyla Gore, a senior and Eureka Junior/Senior High School and Evan Coble, a senior at West Elk High School, will represent the area at the premiere all-star wrestling event featuring the state’s top senior high school girls and boys wrestlers in a Shrine tradition, East vs. West team dual format.
Coble, a four time state qualifier and three time state placer, will compete for the East boys team in the 133-pound weight class. He will face Carson Ochs, of Hoxie. Coble went 2-2 at the state tournament in a tough 132-pound bracket this year. Last year, he placed fifth in the 126-pound class. He placed third in the 113-pound weight class his sophomore year and placed fifth, in the same weight class, his freshman year. He concluded his wrestling career as a Patriot with a 140-26 overall record.
Gore, a two-time state qualifier, will compete for the West girls team in the 170-pound class. She will face Taylor Plumley of Cherryvale. “I’m excited to wrestle again and am especially excited to be a part of something bigger and support the Shriners organization,” stated Gore.
Both Coble and Gore are considering wrestling at the collegiate level; however, neither have not selected a location to continue their wrestling career at. Both, however, know their plans of study. Coble plans to study electrical technology and Gore plans to work to earn her master’s in athletic training.
“Something I have taken away from wrestling is that there are always opportunities even when you think something is unachievable,” stated Gore. “You should always go into something thinking that you can succeed in it, not necessarily first try and it might take a longer time than you would like, but you can still succeed if you keep that mindset and stick to it,” she continued.
“It’s hard to sum up everything I love about wrestling but one thing I love is the potential to grow in the sport. Win or lose, there’s always something to learn in every match or practice and there’s always room to grow whether it’s in athleticism or skill and technique,” stated Gore. Coble noted that through the sport he learned discipline and hard work. He also shared that the individual aspect of the sport was something he loved most about the sport. “it’s just you and the other guy. It’s all on you if you win or if you lose,” stated Coble.
The KWCA and the Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. came together to create the Kansas Shrine Duals as a senior all-star wrestling event for a cause. The Kansas Shrine Duals will looks to create the same level of impact and awareness for Shriners Children’s Hospitals that the 50-year traditions of the Kansas Shrine Bowl have established. All net proceeds from the Shrine Bowl of Kansas, Inc. events benefit Shriners Children’s.
Gates open for the event on Sunday, March 17, at 2:30 p.m., for a wrestler autograph signing opportunity prior to the matches beginning. Opening Ceremonies will begin around 3:15 p.m.
For more information visit www.KansasShrine Duals.com
