Seckman's Kraus Reflects on Another State Title

As a member of the Seckman wrestling team, Matt Kraus is accustomed to high expectations. But, as a returning state champion, the junior knew he needed to exceed even the highest expectations to reach the level of back-to-back state title winner.

For Kraus, that meant stepping up his training in the offseason and a recalibration of his performance following a seventh-place finish at the Toshiba-KCI Tournament in mid-December.

Following his thrilling 3-2 victory in double overtime in the 112-pound weight class at the Class 4 state championship last weekend over Park Hill’s Michael Olson, Kraus has a chance, next season, to become an exceedingly rare three-time titleholder.

But first, he will take some time to enjoy another state championship. Kraus, 17, has now won state titles at 103 pounds, and 112 pounds. He finished at 45-3 this season,

Kraus started wrestling in first grade, as a member of the Fox JagWarriors. He credits the program’s head coach, Frank Valleroy, with instilling a solid base to build from as he developed his wrestling skills.

The result of Kraus’ consistent, early wrestling development was a qualification for the state finals during his freshman season at Seckman. During his sophomore campaign, the championship was a surprise, though Kraus believed he was capable of performing at the top echelon of Missouri competition.

"A lot of people did not expect me to win last season, but I knew I could because I felt I was putting in the work necessary … running, lifting, and training all year,” Kraus said.

Wrestling is an ongoing commitment for Kraus, a lifelong resident of Imperial, who said his only other focus is finding a place to play Xbox with his friends. His current video game competition involves NHL Hockey, and Call of Duty.

Kraus considers it his duty to compete to win in everything he does, and this helps him fit in well with the Jaguars, a team on the rise among local wrestling programs. Seckman brought home its first state trophy this season, with a fourth-place finish at Columbia.

Teammates Brock Wingbermuehle (103 pounds), and Danny Farrell (119 pounds), are Kraus’ partners in training, both on and off season.

I work out pretty hard on my own, but Brock, Danny and I push each other to improve, Kraus said.

Down to earth, in terms of what he values, and what he expects of himself and his teammates, Kraus points out that losing is unacceptable.

“Wrestling is pretty much my life, and I don’t like to lose. If my teammates aren’t taking things seriously, they’re going to hear it from me,” he said.

As he looks ahead to next season, Kraus knows what is needed to make it three titles in a row: hard work, consistent training, and a commitment to be the best.

Following his career at Seckman, Kraus anticipates wrestling at one of the top collegiate programs in the country. As he looks to his future beyond high school, he has California schools in mind.

“I’d like to go somewhere where it’s warm all the time. I’m not a big fan of the cold,” said Kraus.

Judging from his results thus far, Kraus will likely be writing his own ticket to a school in a warmer climate, when the time comes. For now, he can enjoy his success, and contemplate the possibility of a grand finale during his senior year.