Back to state | Wallin, Mumpower earn their way back to Hays

Senior Derek Wallin wrestles Wellsville’s Wyatt Bird in the substate 160 pound finals Saturday in Marion. Wallin won the match by fall to secure a substate championship and a spot at the state tournament Saturday in Hays. Wallin hopes to improve on last season’s sixth place finish. Photos by Mayah Mumpower.
Senior Eli Mumpower wrestles Bricen Lee of Atchison County Community High School in the 152 pound division at substate. The “blood round” match sent the victor to state while the loser ended his season. Mumpower won 6-0 and advanced to a fourth-place finish.
Wabaunsee Wrestling coaches Joey Heersche and Travis Conrad coach from the mat during Derek Wallin’s finals match. Photos by Mayah Mumpower.
Derek Wallin gets the pin at substate wrestling. Wallin finished 1st in the 160 weight class.
Eli Mumpower grapples at substate wrestling. Mumpower will make a second straight trip to the state tournament.
Eli Mumpower celebrates with his mother Jennifer after winning a match to qualify for state wrestling. Due to COVID, the wrestling postseason is entering its fourth week of tournaments, twice as many as usual.