Iola and Humboldt Middle School wrestlers launched the 2025 wrestling season at the Burlington Middle School Cat Classic, held on March 5, 2025. This annual competition, now in its 25th year, brought together young athletes from across the region to demonstrate their skills on the mat.
Axtin Christensen, competing in the 237 lbs. weight class for Iola, secured a first-place finish, while teammate Milo Franklin took second in the 134 lbs. category. For Humboldt, heavyweight Orval LeClair, who entered the ring for the first time, achieved a commendable third-place finish in his division, which encompasses competitors weighing between 275 and 293 lbs. In a higher weight class, Daegan Rodriguez, weighing 187 lbs., also claimed third place.
Christensen showcased his abilities early in the competition with a decisive 3-0 victory over teammate Gabe Klubek, followed by a solid 5-0 win against another teammate, Jaxon Bernstein. Bernstein subsequently earned second place after defeating Klubek with a score of 3-0. Despite a challenging start, Franklin rebounded from a 14-0 technical fall loss to Carson Slayman of Osawatomie. He later secured a victory against Wesley Cowen of Uniontown, demonstrating resilience.
Rodriguez faced tough competition as well, starting with an 11-0 technical fall loss to Jett Campbell of Wellsville. He then fell 3-0 to Blaine Hathaway of Uniontown but made a strong comeback with a 13-4 victory over Luke Turner from Bluestem.
The Burlington Cat Classic continues to be an important event for young wrestlers, providing a platform for them to showcase their talents and gain valuable experience as they embark on the new season. Local schools, including Iola and Humboldt, are proud to support their athletes in this competitive environment, which fosters growth and camaraderie among young wrestlers.
