Colby Girls Wrestling Preview
December 5, 2025
The Colby High School girls wrestling team enters the 2025–26 season with one of its deepest and most experienced lineups yet under second-year head coach Andrew Flanagin. With seven returning state qualifiers, three returning medalists, and a wave of new athletes filling key roles, the Eagles look primed for a legitimate push toward a team trophy this winter.
Flanagin said the tone in the room shifted quickly this preseason. “Most of the kids started this year right where they left off,” he said. “This junior class especially looks faster, more aggressive, and more confident. They already know the drills, and they expect to be in big matches.”
100 — Adrian Salcido, Junior, 6th at State
A returning medalist, Salcido brings postseason experience and improved confidence into the new year. Flanagin hopes her breakthrough at state reinforces her belief that she belongs among Kansas’ best. With quickness and solid mat awareness, she anchors the lightweights.
105 — Lux Vrbas, Freshman
Vrbas enters with kids and middle-school experience and has already shown good fundamentals. Small in stature but gritty, she will grow quickly as she adjusts to varsity competition.
110 — Ariel Ehlers, Junior
Ehlers returns with more maturity and better focus after inconsistent early seasons. She owns the most experience at this weight and will try to lock down the varsity spot for the full season.
115 — Gala White, Junior
White moves up to 115 and brings toughness and steady progress into her third varsity season. With improved technique and discipline, she has the potential to compete deep into February.
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120 — Faith Hoover, Junior, State Qualifier
Hoover’s return at 120 adds proven stability. Flanagin believes she is capable of another postseason push and values her composure in tight matches.
125 — Heidi Gray, Junior
Gray looks poised for a breakout season. After gaining confidence and mat strength last winter, she steps into 125 with a chance to become a reliable point-scorer.
130 — Joslyn Bartlett, Junior, State Qualifier
Bartlett moves up after cutting significant weight last season. Wrestling at her natural size should benefit her technique, energy, and confidence. Flanagin expects her to take a noticeable leap at 130.
135 — Morgan Hills, Junior, State Champion
Hills returns as the defending state champion and a legitimate contender to repeat. Healthy after battling a shoulder issue last season, she remains one of Colby’s most polished, battle-tested athletes. Her presence elevates the entire lineup.
140 — Perla Hernandez-Pena
A newcomer this year, but she’ll be filling a tough weight, Flanagin expects her to gain valuable experience in time for the late season schedule.
155 — Dallis Stieben, Sophomore, 5th at State
Stieben returns after a standout freshman year and a major offseason of strength gains. Her athleticism and improved confidence could put her in position for another podium finish — and possibly more.
170 — Makenzi Rhymer, Senior
Rhymer makes one of the biggest jumps on the team after outgrowing 145. Her speed and technique should translate well against bigger opponents. As one of Colby’s only senior on varisty, her leadership will matter as much as her results.
190 — Alana Fabrizius, Junior, State Qualifier
Fabrizius moves up from 170, a shift Flanagin believes will benefit her. “She’s extremely athletic for this weight,” he said, predicting her style will create matchup problems.
A Schedule Built to Prepare Champions
The Eagles open at Wakeeney on Dec. 5 before hosting the Colby Lady Invite on Dec. 11. January brings a gauntlet: Dodge City, Newton’s 20-team midweek tournament, a new dual event at the University of Nebraska–Kearney, and the Rocky Welton Tournament in Garden City. Flanagin believes the tough schedule will give his athletes the matches they need to peak at the right time.
“We can compete for a title,” he said. “If we stay focused and improve a little every day, everything else will take care of itself.”