USD 475 release
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The dynamic duo of Jaidyn Alvarado and Juliana (Bri) Villanueva claimed state championship honors on Saturday to lead Junction City High School USD 475 at the 2025 Kansas State High School Activities Association State Wrestling Championships in Overland Park.
In the finals, Alvarado won by tech fall over 2024 state champion Madalyn Riedinger of Gardner Edgerton inside The AdventHealth Sports Park. With her decisive win at 100 pounds, the senior closed out a dominating season, finishing the year 33-1 overall.
Villanueva captured her second state championship as a Blue Jay by winning by fall over Garden City’s Marina Loera. With her state championship performance at 115 pounds, the junior has now claimed two state championships and a runner-up showing at state during her storied career. For the year, Villanueva posted an impressive 32-1 overall record.
Other highlights on the day included Elaina Twitty claiming fifth place overall with a victory by fall over Manhattan’s Evelyn Thornburg at 125 pounds, while Shalina Hicks also made the podium at 190 pounds, closing out competition No. 5 overall. Elizabeth Edgerton-Diaz rounded out the JCHS notables, placing sixth at 130 pounds.
On the boy’s side, senior Josh Brookshire placed fifth overall, winning by fall over Dodge City’s Jayden Amaro. Brookshire went 36-9 on the year.
As a team, the Blue Jays wrapped up competition in 20th place in the final team standings with 26 points, while the Lady Jays finished No. 6 overall with 115 points.