Key Contributors
The 2023-2024 season saw a strong performance from Olathe South Wrestling, with several athletes stepping up and earning state qualification. Key contributors included:
Aiden Pina (126) – Returning state qualifier and medalist, Aiden was a consistent force in the lineup, providing leadership and performance.
Addison Whyte (175) – A senior who provided veteran leadership in the weight class.
Noah Crossman (215) – A returning state qualifier who contributed greatly in his senior season.
Cody Arenholz (106) – A sophomore state qualifier who showed major development throughout the season.
Landon Cooper (113) – A third-time state qualifier, Landon also medaled last year as a sophomore.
Jovani Caudill (165) – The standout performer of the season, Jovani went 51-4, capturing a Sunflower League, regional, and state title, and became a key figure in the team’s success.
These six state qualifiers were the backbone of the team and helped elevate the program to new heights.
Season Overview
This season began with a relatively inexperienced team, but the group’s hard work, coachability, and willingness to improve each week were evident. By the end of the season, the team was performing at its best. Coach Fitzgerald considered the season to be a major success for Falcon Wrestling, as the athletes worked hard and progressively showed better results.
Defining Moments
The defining moment of the season came at Regionals, where the team had its best weekend of the season. Jovani Caudill capturing the state title was the highlight of the year, marking a standout achievement for both him and the program.
Player Development
Several wrestlers made significant strides during the season:
Cody Arenholz (106) made major improvements and was a key contributor.
Landon Cooper (113) and Jovani Caudill (165) both continued to develop and showcase their talents.
Hayden Sims, Jacobi Whyte, and Zion Allio were also players who showed impressive growth throughout the season, contributing to the overall success of the team.
Response to Challenges
Like every wrestling season, adversity was inevitable. The team faced injuries, tough losses, and pressure situations, but Coach Fitzgerald was proud of how the athletes handled these challenges. The team’s ability to stay focused and continue moving forward was a testament to their resilience and dedication.
Senior Leadership
This senior class played a pivotal role in maintaining the high standards and expectations of the program, especially after graduating a large group of seniors the previous year. They helped bridge the gap by providing leadership and setting an example for many of the first-year varsity wrestlers. Their experience and leadership were crucial to the team’s success throughout the season.
Looking Ahead
Coach Fitzgerald is excited about the future of Olathe South Wrestling, particularly with the strong group of returning athletes. Cody Arenholz, Landon Cooper, and Jovani Caudill are all returning as state qualifiers and will continue to lead the team. Additionally, there’s a large group of younger wrestlers eager to make an impact and contribute to the program’s success in 2025-26. The future looks promising, and there’s a strong desire for continued growth and achievement.
Offseason Focus
The key focus in the offseason will be both physical and technical improvement. Coach Fitzgerald emphasized that success on the wrestling mat is directly tied to the level of investment put into training. The team will spend the next 6-7 months on the mat and in the weight room, refining skills and building strength to prepare for next season.
Where to Find Stats
For detailed team statistics, you can visit Trackwrestling.
A Strong Season and a Bright Future
The 2023-2024 season for Olathe South Wrestling was filled with growth, resilience, and remarkable individual performances, particularly from Jovani Caudill and the senior leadership group. With a promising future ahead, the Falcons are well-positioned for even greater success in the upcoming seasons, especially with a core group of returning wrestlers hungry to take the program to the next level.
 – Returning state qualifier and medalist, Aiden was a consistent force in the lineup, providing leadership and performance.
Addison Whyte (175) – A senior who provided veteran leadership in the weight class.
Noah Crossman (215) – A returning state qualifier who contributed greatly in his senior season.
Cody Arenholz (106) – A sophomore state qualifier who showed major development throughout the season.
Landon Cooper (113) – A third-time state qualifier, Landon also medaled last year as a sophomore.
Jovani Caudill (165) – The standout performer of the season, Jovani went 51-4, capturing a Sunflower League, regional, and state title, and became a key figure in the team’s success.
These six state qualifiers were the backbone of the team and helped elevate the program to new heights.
Season Overview
This season began with a relatively inexperienced team, but the group’s hard work, coachability, and willingness to improve each week were evident. By the end of the season, the team was performing at its best. Coach Fitzgerald considered the season to be a major success for Falcon Wrestling, as the athletes worked hard and progressively showed better results.
Defining Moments
The defining moment of the season came at Regionals, where the team had its best weekend of the season. Jovani Caudill capturing the state title was the highlight of the year, marking a standout achievement for both him and the program.
Player Development
Several wrestlers made significant strides during the season:
Cody Arenholz (106) made major improvements and was a key contributor.
Landon Cooper (113) and Jovani Caudill (165) both continued to develop and showcase their talents.
Hayden Sims, Jacobi Whyte, and Zion Allio were also players who showed impressive growth throughout the season, contributing to the overall success of the team.
Response to Challenges
Like every wrestling season, adversity was inevitable. The team faced injuries, tough losses, and pressure situations, but Coach Fitzgerald was proud of how the athletes handled these challenges. The team’s ability to stay focused and continue moving forward was a testament to their resilience and dedication.
Senior Leadership
This senior class played a pivotal role in maintaining the high standards and expectations of the program, especially after graduating a large group of seniors the previous year. They helped bridge the gap by providing leadership and setting an example for many of the first-year varsity wrestlers. Their experience and leadership were crucial to the team’s success throughout the season.
Looking Ahead
Coach Fitzgerald is excited about the future of Olathe South Wrestling, particularly with the strong group of returning athletes. Cody Arenholz, Landon Cooper, and Jovani Caudill are all returning as state qualifiers and will continue to lead the team. Additionally, there’s a large group of younger wrestlers eager to make an impact and contribute to the program’s success in 2025-26. The future looks promising, and there’s a strong desire for continued growth and achievement.
Offseason Focus
The key focus in the offseason will be both physical and technical improvement. Coach Fitzgerald emphasized that success on the wrestling mat is directly tied to the level of investment put into training. The team will spend the next 6-7 months on the mat and in the weight room, refining skills and building strength to prepare for next season.
Where to Find Stats
For detailed team statistics, you can visit Trackwrestling.
A Strong Season and a Bright Future
The 2023-2024 season for Olathe South Wrestling was filled with growth, resilience, and remarkable individual performances, particularly from Jovani Caudill and the senior leadership group. With a promising future ahead, the Falcons are well-positioned for even greater success in the upcoming seasons, especially with a core group of returning wrestlers hungry to take the program to the next level.
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