Wrestling's Kendric Maple Announced as 2025 Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
4/14/2025 11:28:00 AM | Wrestling
COLUMBIA, Mo - University of Missouri wrestling associate head coach Kendric Maple has been selected to the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2025. The Kansas Sports Hall of Fame strives to honor all athletes who have contributed to the history of sports in Kansas and inspire the public through their value of athletics.
"I am honored to be selected for the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame," said Maple. "This could not be possible without the countless people who have mentored and poured into me, not just as a wrestler but also as a person. Therefore, I would like to accept this award on their behalf and thank all the coaches, teachers and family who have helped me succeed.
The Induction Ceremony will take place on August 2, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas, honoring all ten members of the Hall of Fame Class of 2025. Maple is the only representative of the sport of wrestling in the class, and his induction follows his entry to the Kansas Wrestling Hall of Fame in October of 2022.
"This is an accomplished group, and one the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame is extremely proud to recognize on behalf of the entire state," said Jim Dunning, Jr., chairman of the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame. "The individuals represent the best of the State of Kansas and come from diverse backgrounds. Their stories provide inspiration to all Kansans."
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
A native of Wichita, Kansas, Maple won two state titles for Wichita Heights High School. He won his first as a junior in 2008 at 130 pounds, with his second coming the following season at 135 pounds. He was also a four-year letterman for the Falcons, earning Co-Wrestler of the Year honors and being a Brute National Champion during high school.
During a historic collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma, Maple earned All-American status three times, placing fourth, first, and eighth in his final three seasons, respectively, en route to a record of 127-25. In the 2012-13 season, he secured the 141-pound National Title for the Sooners, capping off an undefeated season. He is one of only ten wrestlers from Kansas to win an NCAA Championship, with his 2013 crown being the most recent up until Newton-native Wyatt Hendrickson won the 285-pound title in 2025.
Maple also had his fair share of post-collegiate success, being a two-time U.S. Open champion in freestyle, bringing home top honors in 2017 and 2022, and representing Tiger Style Wrestling Club for the latter. Through six full seasons on the coaching staff in Columbia, Maple has mentored 15 All-Americans and two individual National Championships from the corner.
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