Falcon Wrestling Soars in 2025 Winter Season: A Recap with Coach Conor Fitzgerald
The 2025 winter wrestling season at Olathe South High School was one of transformation, perseverance, and achievement. Under the steady leadership of Head Coach Conor Fitzgerald, the Falcon Men’s Wrestling team turned a season that began with uncertainty into one marked by significant individual triumphs and team growth. We caught up with Coach Fitzgerald to discuss the key moments, standout athletes, and what lies ahead for this resilient squad.
Rising Above Inexperience
Coming into the 2024–2025 season, the Falcons faced a unique challenge. The team had just graduated a large and experienced senior class, leaving behind a group that, while talented, was relatively green in varsity competition. “We had a relatively inexperienced group starting off the season,” said Coach Fitzgerald. “Our kids worked hard, remained coachable, and improved every single week. I think we were wrestling our absolute best at the end of the season.”
Despite the early hurdles, the Falcons ended the year with six state qualifiers, proving that hard work and a strong team culture could carry them far—even against more seasoned competition.
Key Contributors Step Up
Leadership and consistency were essential ingredients in this season's success. Among the standout performers were seniors Aiden Pina (126 lbs), Addison Whyte (175 lbs), and Noah Crossman (215 lbs). All three qualified for the state tournament, with Pina and Crossman returning from previous years and Pina already having earned a state medal in 2024. These seniors formed the bedrock of the varsity lineup, offering not only experience but also reliability in high-stakes matches.
Sophomore Cody Arenholz (106 lbs) emerged as a rising star, earning a spot at state and showing great promise for the program’s future. Meanwhile, junior Landon Cooper (113 lbs) continued his impressive trajectory, qualifying for state for a third straight year after medaling as a sophomore.
But the spotlight truly shined brightest on Jovani Caudill (165 lbs), who had a breakout year. Caudill compiled a stunning 51–4 record, capturing titles in the Sunflower League, Regionals, and ultimately, the Kansas State Championship. “Jovani Caudill capturing the state title was definitely the highlight of the year,” said Fitzgerald. Caudill’s dominance on the mat provided an emotional lift to the entire team and served as a reminder of what’s possible with dedication and resilience.
Defining Moments and Turning Points
The Regional tournament served as a pivotal turning point in the Falcons' season. “We had our best weekend of the season at Regionals,” recalled Fitzgerald. The momentum from that performance carried the team into the state tournament with confidence and cohesion, setting the stage for Caudill’s title run and strong showings from other qualifiers.
But it wasn’t just the tournaments that defined the year. Growth was a continuous theme. Coach Fitzgerald highlighted players like Arenholz, Cooper, and Caudill for their leaps in development, but also acknowledged the steady progress of Hayden Sims, Jacobi Whyte, and Zion Allio. “All improved massively throughout the course of the year,” he said, noting how these young athletes embraced their opportunities and rose to the occasion.
Facing Adversity the Falcon Way
Wrestling is as much mental as it is physical, and every season brings its own share of challenges—injuries, tough losses, and pressure-filled situations. Coach Fitzgerald was proud of how his team handled adversity. “We responded the way we always do—we just kept moving forward,” he said. “Every wrestling season has its fair share of adversity, and this year was no exception. I was so proud of how our kids responded and adapted every time a curveball was thrown our way.”
This mindset, forged in the crucible of competition, became a hallmark of the 2025 Falcon squad. Their ability to stay focused and continue improving week after week was a key reason why they peaked at the right time.
Leadership and Legacy
This year’s senior class played a critical role in guiding the younger wrestlers and stabilizing the program during a transitional period. “This senior class helped bridge the gap for our program,” said Fitzgerald. “They helped maintain our high standards and expectations with a group that was mostly thrown into the fire for the first time.”
Their leadership, both on and off the mat, ensured the team upheld its culture of hard work, accountability, and excellence. It’s a legacy that will be felt for years to come as younger wrestlers build on the foundation they helped lay.
Eyes on the Future
Looking ahead, there’s plenty to be excited about in Olathe South’s wrestling room. “We’re obviously led by our three returning state qualifiers—Cody Arenholz, Landon Cooper, and Jovani Caudill,” said Fitzgerald. “However, there’s a very large group of kids chomping at the bit to get better and make some noise in 2025–26.”
With a healthy mix of proven performers and hungry up-and-comers, the Falcons have the pieces in place for another strong campaign next winter. The goal now is development—both physically and technically.
“There’s no secret recipe for getting better—it’s all about level of investment,” said Coach Fitzgerald. “We will spend plenty of time on the wrestling mat and in the weight room over the course of the next 6–7 months.”
Final Thoughts
While the 2025 winter season may have started with questions, it ended with answers. A team that began the year searching for its identity found it in hard work, resilience, and belief in one another. With a state champion leading the way and a crop of determined returners, Olathe South’s wrestling future looks bright.
Fans can follow the progress and results of the Falcons through Trackwrestling, where the team’s stats and match breakdowns are available.
As Coach Conor Fitzgerald and his squad turn the page and begin offseason preparations, one thing is clear: Falcon Wrestling is flying high—and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.
, Addison Whyte (175 lbs), and Noah Crossman (215 lbs). All three qualified for the state tournament, with Pina and Crossman returning from previous years and Pina already having earned a state medal in 2024. These seniors formed the bedrock of the varsity lineup, offering not only experience but also reliability in high-stakes matches.
Sophomore Cody Arenholz (106 lbs) emerged as a rising star, earning a spot at state and showing great promise for the program’s future. Meanwhile, junior Landon Cooper (113 lbs) continued his impressive trajectory, qualifying for state for a third straight year after medaling as a sophomore.
But the spotlight truly shined brightest on Jovani Caudill (165 lbs), who had a breakout year. Caudill compiled a stunning 51–4 record, capturing titles in the Sunflower League, Regionals, and ultimately, the Kansas State Championship. “Jovani Caudill capturing the state title was definitely the highlight of the year,” said Fitzgerald. Caudill’s dominance on the mat provided an emotional lift to the entire team and served as a reminder of what’s possible with dedication and resilience.
Defining Moments and Turning Points
The Regional tournament served as a pivotal turning point in the Falcons' season. “We had our best weekend of the season at Regionals,” recalled Fitzgerald. The momentum from that performance carried the team into the state tournament with confidence and cohesion, setting the stage for Caudill’s title run and strong showings from other qualifiers.
But it wasn’t just the tournaments that defined the year. Growth was a continuous theme. Coach Fitzgerald highlighted players like Arenholz, Cooper, and Caudill for their leaps in development, but also acknowledged the steady progress of Hayden Sims, Jacobi Whyte, and Zion Allio. “All improved massively throughout the course of the year,” he said, noting how these young athletes embraced their opportunities and rose to the occasion.
Facing Adversity the Falcon Way
Wrestling is as much mental as it is physical, and every season brings its own share of challenges—injuries, tough losses, and pressure-filled situations. Coach Fitzgerald was proud of how his team handled adversity. “We responded the way we always do—we just kept moving forward,” he said. “Every wrestling season has its fair share of adversity, and this year was no exception. I was so proud of how our kids responded and adapted every time a curveball was thrown our way.”
This mindset, forged in the crucible of competition, became a hallmark of the 2025 Falcon squad. Their ability to stay focused and continue improving week after week was a key reason why they peaked at the right time.
Leadership and Legacy
This year’s senior class played a critical role in guiding the younger wrestlers and stabilizing the program during a transitional period. “This senior class helped bridge the gap for our program,” said Fitzgerald. “They helped maintain our high standards and expectations with a group that was mostly thrown into the fire for the first time.”
Their leadership, both on and off the mat, ensured the team upheld its culture of hard work, accountability, and excellence. It’s a legacy that will be felt for years to come as younger wrestlers build on the foundation they helped lay.
Eyes on the Future
Looking ahead, there’s plenty to be excited about in Olathe South’s wrestling room. “We’re obviously led by our three returning state qualifiers—Cody Arenholz, Landon Cooper, and Jovani Caudill,” said Fitzgerald. “However, there’s a very large group of kids chomping at the bit to get better and make some noise in 2025–26.”
With a healthy mix of proven performers and hungry up-and-comers, the Falcons have the pieces in place for another strong campaign next winter. The goal now is development—both physically and technically.
“There’s no secret recipe for getting better—it’s all about level of investment,” said Coach Fitzgerald. “We will spend plenty of time on the wrestling mat and in the weight room over the course of the next 6–7 months.”
Final Thoughts
While the 2025 winter season may have started with questions, it ended with answers. A team that began the year searching for its identity found it in hard work, resilience, and belief in one another. With a state champion leading the way and a crop of determined returners, Olathe South’s wrestling future looks bright.
Fans can follow the progress and results of the Falcons through Trackwrestling, where the team’s stats and match breakdowns are available.
As Coach Conor Fitzgerald and his squad turn the page and begin offseason preparations, one thing is clear: Falcon Wrestling is flying high—and they’re not slowing down anytime soon.)
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