08/09/2025
The 2025 Damian Mendez Memorial Scholarship winners are Xerach for $1,000, Isabell and Sam for $500. To honor his memory and spirit, this scholarship is designed to award a Kansas wrestler who displays Damian’s determination and perseverance. This scholarship is open to both male and female wrestlers who have participated a minimum of 3 years on a Kansas High School wrestling team, a high school senior graduating in 2025 or have a HS diploma/GED equivalent or already wrestling at the collegiate level. Applicants must have plans to pursue a college level degree while wrestling at the collegiate level. 3 recipients are chosen. 1st place winning $1,000 and 2nd and 3rd winning $500.
The winner of $1,000 is one of his best friends on the mat Xerach Tungjaroenkul from Emporia, KS. Damian and Xerach met on Battle the Bus, a 2 week trip where they travelled the east coast that was put together by the late Mike Krause and Mario Flores. Ever since then they would always meet up and warm up together at tournaments. Xerach is going to continue his education and wrestle at the University of Central Missouri In 2nd place Isabell Ortiz from Lakin, KS is going on her 3rd year at Fort Hays State University. 3rd place Sam Watkins from Hoxie, KS will be wrestling at the University of Nebraska-Kearney.
