Senior Aiden Christian (43-2) finished his Holden wrestling career with a second-place state medal and finals appearance.
Christian earned his second career state medal with two quick falls in the first round and quarterfinals over Broc Cordray (Marceline) and Jabbar Granberry (KIPP St. Louis).
In the semifinal match, Christian avenged an earlier season loss with an 11-6 decision win over Gunnar Wenneker of North Callaway.
Christian suffered a heartbreaking injury default to Ryder Herron of Rock Port in the finals match. Just twenty-eight seconds into the first period, Christian fell victim to a leg injury that ended the match.
Christian closes out his Eagles career with 118 career wins, three state qualifications, and two state medals.
Returning state medalist, senior Trent Stout (35-11), dropped his opening round match to Matthew Thomas of St. Piux X Festus to send him to wrestlebacks. Stout got a hard-fought 4-3 decision in the consolation first round over Cooper Ray of Maysville. Stout was eliminated in the next round by Bryson Whitmas of Hollister.
Stout finishes his Eagle career with 122 career wins, two state qualifications, and a 2024 6th place state medal.
Senior Graysen Thieman (31-17) also missed out on the medals when his run was cut short by Cuin Vincent of West Platte in the second round of wrestlebacks in the 132lb bracket. Thieman earned a fall in the first round of wrestlebacks over Volodmyr Hrimov of Principia.
Thieman finishes his Eagle career with 87 career wins and two state qualifications.
Sophomore Payton Tye dropped his two matches in the 126lb bracket but gained good experience in the tournament. Tye will be the only returning state qualifier in a young 2026 squad.
For the first time since 2019, Holden will go into the off-season without a returning state medalist.
* Photos courtesy of Laura Brown