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Top talent is nothing new to the Dick Burns Mat Classic, but this year’s tournament — which begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Bonner Springs YMCA — should be of particular interest.

In addition to being the first wrestling competition of the new year for both Bonner Springs and Basehor-Linwood, it’s also the best chance yet to see both teams begin what should be a serious push toward the Class 5A and Class 4A state tournaments.

Both teams sent a handful of athletes to state last season, and this year’s squads are arguably more talented. The results prove that — so far.

Sure, Bonner Springs has a youth-laden lineup and lost third-place state medalist Tanner McCleary to graduation, but two-time state medalist Caleb Seaton returns and already looks like a potential 5A state title contender. More than a one-man wonder, the Braves have numerous other wrestlers that have their eyes on state. Veteran Brian Callahan is one of those guys, as are freshmen such as Justus Seaton, Jonathan Blackwell, Tyler Lentz and Aaron Puckett and sophomore Chase McCleary — Tanner’s younger brother.

The Braves are off to a solid season so far, with a 4-3 dual record to their credit and numerous strong individual showings at tournaments. It’s clear first-year coach Brandon Jobe has them on the right path to becoming one of the power programs in the area.

Not to be outdone, first-year Basehor-Linwood coach Ed Seaton also has the Bobcats flying high. Their dual record won’t show it because the squad is short on overall numbers, but the individual talent at BLHS has been undeniable. A quick look at the Bobcats’ dual performances shows that they’ve won the majority of matches where they’ve fielded a wrestler (forfeits for unfilled weight classes have been the difference). In actual tournaments where wrestlers score points by battling through a bracket, the Bobcats have been impressive.

The Mat Classic will once again provide good competition for all of the wrestlers, but this year in particular should be worth a closer look. Both teams have more state tournament hopefuls than in recent seasons, and both should face top-notch opponents. Bellevue (Neb.) East is the returning champion and will once again have a roster full of gifted wrestlers. Shawnee Mission Northwest — a fourth-place finisher last season — brings what might be its most talented team in a decade. Plus, programs such as Bishop Miege, Blue Valley, Eudora and Paola will add additional firepower to an already challenging field.

All of that — from the improved local teams to the overall talent at the tournament — should make this year’s Mat Classic a must-see.

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