By JIM MISUNAS
jmisunas@gbtribune.com

No. 1 state-ranked Cody Liles (37-3, 132) will headline Great Bend’s wrestling team at Valley Center’s Class 5A regional Saturday. Liles is a three-time state qualifier who placed sixth last year.
“Cody has had a successful season based on his determination,” said Great Bend coach Nathan Broeckelman. “He has been mentally focused and hasn’t shied away from the competition. His mental toughness, focus and skills from years of experience have helped contribute to his season.”
Returning state qualifier Keaton Sander (29-3, 138) is ranked sixth in Class 5A and Christian Rivas (24-7, 160) is a returning state qualifier.
No. 5 Valley Center and No. 6 Salina Central headline the regional. The top four finishers in each weight class qualify for the Class 5A state meet Feb. 26-27 at Wichita.
“We want competition, scoring points, and not giving up or backing down from anyone,” Broeckelman said. “Our kids are better than they think they are. They just need to tell themselves that. I feel we could qualify as many as 10 wrestlers. Everyone is back and healthy this week.”
GREAT BEND LINEUP
106—Natalie Garza 3-24
113—Skylar Burkes 6-19
120—Eric Vazquez 21-17
126—Conrad Montoya 3-4
132—Cody Liles 37-3
138—Keaton Sander 29-3
145—Braxton Schooler 9-15
152—Ben Witte 12-19
160—Christian Rivas 24-7
170—Keegan Bowman 14-19
182—Jose Batres 9-10
195—Sam Witte 14-17
285—Noah Presson 10-12

CLASS 5A REGIONAL (Feb. 20)
VALLEY CENTER—Emporia, Great Bend, Maize, Newton, Salina-Central, Salina-South, Valley Center, Wichita Heights