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From Rural Kansas to National Stage: Chris Paustian's Wrestling Journey

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, December 14th 2025 at 2:15 GMT by The Gazette

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Paustian in a League of His Own

The Wichita Gazette’s feature, “Paustian in a league of his own,” is a comprehensive portrait of a young wrestler who has turned a small‑town talent into a national‑level competitor. The article, which ran in the spring of 2024, chronicles the rise of Chris Paustian—from his early days on the mats in rural Kansas to his current status as an All‑American at a major Division I program—while weaving in the values, work ethic, and community that have helped shape his journey.

A Humble Beginning

The piece opens with an evocative anecdote: Paustian’s first state‑qualifying match in 2020. “I was nervous, but I also knew I had something special on my side,” Paustian recalled in a brief interview. The Gazette uses this moment as a launching pad to describe his background: born in a modest farmhouse on the edge of Wamego, Kansas, he was introduced to wrestling by his older brother, who was a state‑champion in high school. With no gym in town, the family turned the basement of their home into a makeshift practice area, and the young Paustian spent countless hours drilling takedowns and sprawls under the watchful eye of his father, a former semi‑professional wrestler.

The article includes a link to the Kansas High School Activities Association (KHSAA) records, which confirm Paustian’s undefeated senior season (54‑0) and his top‑seed finish at the 2020 Kansas State Wrestling Championships. The Gazette also pulls in a photo of Paustian’s banner in his high‑school gym, the caption noting that his 2020‑2021 season earned him a spot on the state All‑Star team.

A College Career that Exceeds Expectations

Paustian’s next stop was the University of Oklahoma (OU), where the Gazette’s sports correspondent spent a week in Norman to interview Coach Dan Gable’s assistant, Mark Scully, and the wrestler himself. The article explains that OU’s coaching staff saw Paustian not just for his physical prowess but for his “intellect about the sport.” In his freshman year, Paustian posted a 15‑3 record and earned freshman All‑American honors at 165 lb. By his sophomore season, he had broken the program’s 40‑win streak record and finished fourth at the NCAA Championships, a feat that earned him a spot on the All‑Big 12 team.

The Gazette links to OU’s wrestling bio page for Paustian, where readers can see his detailed stats, weight‑class progression, and a list of accolades. The bio also mentions his academic major—Sports Management—which the article cites as evidence of Paustian’s long‑term vision.

The Unique Style That Sets Him Apart

A significant portion of the article is devoted to dissecting Paustian’s wrestling style. The Gazette’s writer uses footage from the 2023 NCAA Championships—linked directly in the article—to highlight Paustian’s “technical precision.” While most competitors rely on brute force or sheer speed, Paustian favors a methodical approach: high‑percentage takedowns, precise positioning, and a relentless defensive sprawl that shuts down even the most aggressive opponents. The Gazette’s sports analyst notes that Paustian’s 95 % takedown rate is one of the highest in the country for his weight class, a statistic that was corroborated by the NCAA statistics page linked in the article.

The feature also explores Paustian’s mental game. “I read a lot of strategy books,” Paustian says. The article points readers toward a list of recommended books on wrestling psychology that Paustian has compiled, complete with purchase links.

The Human Behind the Helmet

Beyond the mat, the Gazette paints a picture of Paustian as a community advocate. In an interview with the university’s public‑relations office, Paustian described his volunteer work with the local “Wichita Youth Wrestling League,” where he hosts weekend clinics for kids in under‑resourced neighborhoods. A photo of Paustian handing out headgear to a young girl in the article underscores his commitment to giving back.

The article also includes a segment on the role of Paustian’s mother, who served as his primary coach in high school. She reflects on her son’s humility, noting, “He never lets success get to his head.” The Gazette links to a local charity’s website that Paustian and his mother collaborate with to provide scholarships for aspiring wrestlers.

Future Horizons

The feature concludes with a look forward. Paustian intends to continue competing at OU through his senior year, with a clear eye on the 2025 NCAA Championships. He has expressed interest in pursuing coaching after graduation, citing his father and his high‑school coach as early inspirations. The Gazette highlights Paustian’s involvement in a new program, “Project 10K,” which aims to increase the number of wrestlers from rural Kansas who reach Division I programs. A link to the program’s website invites readers to learn more and even donate.

Key Takeaways

1. Early Roots & Local Support
   - Paustian’s background in a small Kansas town, with family and community providing foundational support.

2. High School Dominance
   - Undefeated senior season (54‑0), 2020 state champion, and All‑Star honors.

3. Division I Success
   - OU wrestling: 15‑3 freshman record, 4th place at 2023 NCAA Championships, 95 % takedown rate.

4. Technical Mastery
   - Emphasis on precision, sprawl, and mental strategy; links to NCAA stats and strategy books.

5. Community Engagement
   - Volunteering with Wichita Youth Wrestling League and the “Project 10K” scholarship initiative.

6. Future Aspirations
   - Continued competition, possible coaching career, and long‑term contribution to wrestling.

The Gazette’s “Paustian in a league of his own” is more than a sports profile; it is a narrative that captures how talent, dedication, and community synergy can elevate an individual to national prominence. By following the embedded links and exploring the athlete’s background, readers gain a deeper understanding of the layers that compose Paustian’s success—both on and off the mat.