It’s hard being at the top. Addilyn “Addie” Wacker, the female Allen County Area Athlete of the Month for December, knows all too well its ups and downs.
As the No. 1 ranked 130 lb. wrestler in Kansas, Wacker faces constant challenges from others looking to make a name for themselves. What often separates an elite grappler from a novice is how he or she mentally approaches each match.
“I need more confidence,” said Wacker, after defeating No. 2-ranked Kynlie Stevenson of Wellsville.
“I wrestled pretty good up until my last match, but there is always room to improve.”
So far, Wacker’s No. 1 rank is not a matter of hype. She remains undefeated at 12-0 with multiple gold medals in her wake. After taking third at the 2025 state tournament, becoming Iola High School’s first female state medalist, Wacker has become a local celebrity, prompting voters to pick her as the December athlete of the month.
“I really appreciated it. It shows they’re looking at all the time and effort I’m putting into my sport,” Wacker said.
John Taylor, IHS wrestling coach, said Wacker and state-ranked 190 lb. Zoie Hesse are not just leaders by example, but also actively encourage wrestlers of all ages and all levels across the community.
“A lot of our wrestlers look to them for encouragement,” Coach Taylor said. “They look to them for leadership and help to be better wrestlers.”
