Bartlett excited to continue wrestling career at Newman University

By Andy Brown
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Updated: January 4, 2023

Andy Brown / Louisburg Sports Zone

Louisburg senior Kaven Bartlett, who is currently 15-0 on the season and ranked No. 3 in Class 4A at 138 pounds, signed his letter of intent last month to wrestle at Newman University.

His high school wrestling career might be coming to an end, but Kaven Bartlett wasn’t about to leave a sport behind that he loved since he could remember.

Bartlett, a state medalist for the Louisburg wrestling team, has always dreamed to wrestle in college and that came true last month when the Wildcat senior decided to make it official.

Bartlett signed his letter of intent to wrestle for Newman University — an NCAA Division II program in Wichita. It was a difficult decision at times for the Louisburg senior, but he couldn’t be more excited to get started.

“Officially signing to wrestle in college has been a dream of mine since I was 4 years old,” Bartlett said. “Being able to achieve this dream, and continue my wrestling career after high school, means the world to me. I don’t believe that I will ever be able to get away from the sport of wrestling.

“The past year I visited several colleges to see how their programs for academics and athletics were. One of the most important things I was looking for was which community felt most like home. I eventually over time got my options down to two colleges. After several visits and watching both teams compete I chose Newman University.”

Newman provided the perfect outlet for Bartlett and his love for the sport. It all started with the coaching staff.

***Louisburg senior Kaven Bartlett signed his letter of intent to wrestle at Newman University. Sitting next to Kaven is his mother Angela and his sister Kallee. Standing is his father, Jason.***

Newman head coach Ryan Smith has been a big part of the Jets program as he is in his 15th season as the team’s leader and his 19th year overall.

Smith has coached 13 national qualifiers and had five MIAA individual champions over that time. Bartlett is excited to work under an experienced coach with a young roster.

“Newman University has several national All-Americans and national champions,” Bartlett said. “Coach Smith invited me to a camp in Maize with the team where I got to meet the whole coaching staff. A lot of the staff is young and have wrestled for Newman themselves. They welcomed me and made me feel comfortable straight away.”

It also helped that Newman fit his academic style as well. Bartlett plans to have a double major in Radiology Technician and Sonography.

Now that the decision process is over, Bartlett is hoping to end his high school career on a good note as he is currently 15-0 on the season and ranked No. 3 in Class 4A at 138 pounds.

He also has high goals for himself wants he gets to college.

“When I first arrive on campus I plan on getting to know the team and find a place to fit in,” Bartlett said. “My athletic goals are to better my wrestling skills and contribute as much as I can to the team.”