Michigan National Team Hub
5/13/2019
 Welcome to the Team Michigan Hub, a centralized page for all West Ottawa wrestlers to keep in formed on the summer. Check back periodically for updates on the Michigan National Team and the requirements needed to participate.
Questions? Send them to the MUSAW Board. National Team Practice
May 18th- Holt High School May 25th- NO TRAINING CAMP June 1st- Holt High School June 8th- Michigan State University June 15th- Brighton High School June 22nd- Michigan State University June 29th- Central Michigan University July 6-7th- Olivet College 2019 USAW Central Regional May 26-28, 2019 Ada, OH Event Website 2019 Schoolboy Duals June 12-16, 2019 Indianapolis, IN Team Michigan Info Event Website 2019 Cadet Duals June 11-15, 2019 Spokane, WA Team Michigan Info Event Website 2019 Junior Duals June 18-22. 2019 Tulsa, OK Team Michigan Info Event Website 2019 Kids National Championships June 27-29, 2019 Wisconsin Dells, WI Event Website 2019 Cadet & Junior Nationals (Fargo) July 12-20, 2019 Fargo, ND Team Michigan Info Event Website
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OLIVET, MI In the words of former president Harry S. Truman, “The successful man has enthusiasm. Good work is never done in cold blood; heat is needed to forge anything. Every great achievement is the story of a flaming heart.” The passion that West Ottawa wrestlers have sines in the “off-season.” The idea of their being space between the seasons is a bit of a misnomer, as you can find a handful of wrestlers on the mat given the day. Of those wrestlers, a few have decided to dedicate themselves to a higher goal and mindset of a state champion. The MHSAA finals are often the pinnacle of any wrestler. But not the Panthers. “I’ve said it since I was hired in four years ago, “states Ryan Lancaster, the West Ottawa varsity head coach. “ I am not chasing state titles; I am chasing stop signs. If we have kids continually proving themselves at the national level, the team titles will trickle down eventually.” The stop sign is the All-American plaque, which is awarded at the US Marines Cadet and Freestyle National Championships every year to the top 8 wrestlers in each weight class. The tournament, which is dubbed the simple moniker of “Fargo,” as the event takes place in the Fargodome in the North Dakota State University campus in Fargo, North Dakota. The ultimate prize for West Ottawa wrestlers is the title of All-American. Each year the pinnacle of high school freestyle and Greco roman wrestling in the United States takes place over a week in Fargo. The Junior and Cadet National championships will crown individual national champions in boys and girls freestyle and Greco-Roman wrestling. Many of these all-American and national champions will go on to greatness at the NCAA level and into the senior level world and Olympic Games. “The first step to the national event is placing at the MUSAW state championships.” Lancaster says. “If you place top four in the state you most likely have a shot on the national team.” This year, three athletes aim to find their way to a state title and eventually an All-American stop sign. Sophomore Mathew “Mad Dawg” Hakken aims to make his second appearance at the national tournament and hopefully win his first state title. Lancaster’s thoughts on Mathew mirror is former sentiments: “Mathew is such a hard worker. He knows more than most that the ticket to success is not handed out but needs to be earned daily. His commitment to himself and this team is herculean and is a great role model for future Panther wrestlers.” Joining Mathew Is 8th grader Owen Foster. Owen placed last year and the state finals his has high aspirations. “Owen is the prototype athlete we want at West Ottawa. Strong, smart, and hard working. He has all the tools to succeed at any level.” Owen’s brother James also is entering the fray. James, a 5th grader, fines a balance between dedication and fun. “James is out there having fun. He really enjoys the Olympic styles of wrestling and it show. He is a great reminder of why we do what we do.” The 2019 MUSAW State Finals are May 10-11 at Olivet College. Fans can follow along at trackwrestling. FORMER MUSAW ALL STATE WRESTLERS*
*Records incomplete 10U
 HOLLAND, MI
The pinnacle of sports is crowing a champion at the end of the season. The emotional rollercoaster of victory coupled with the anguish of defeat are a gamut of feelings that few will truly ever experience. But with the youth wrestling program at West Ottawa these are the status quoi. This past weekend, a new crop of athletes competed and qualified for a chance at the MYWAY (Michigan Youth Wrestling Association) State Individual State Champion ships. With its inception last season, the Panther Elite program had 4 youth state qualifiers. This year they are bring 11. “While we have had a youth program that last few seasons, the Elite portion of our club was created to give advanced wrestlers a better workout and a better opportunity to compete on the state wide and eventually national stage,” said West Ottawa Wrestling Director. “These kids are reshaping the culture of this program.” The Panther Elite Wrestling Program is an off shoot of the Little Panthers Wrestling Club at West Ottawa. With specialized practices and advanced technique covered, these practices have proven to being a determining factor for the success of the club. This is coupled by the wide array of coaching staff that volunteers their time with the young grapplers. This includes 4x MHSAA state finalist and former Michigan State standout Dr. Karl Nadolsky. “While we have an amazing coaching staff from top to bottom, a great selling point to the community is having a guy like Nadolsky in the room,“ Lancaster said. “He has a great wealth of knowledge with the ins and outs of the sport, and offers up great guidance for these athletes.” Nadolsky is not the only coach/parent this season. Panther Elite has a robust staff of volunteer fathers that are dedicated to their children as well as the sport. Their hours in the room have really paid off for each of their state qualifiers. "Josh Shults, Derek Foster, Troy Cates and Arik Jurries do an amazing job with these athletes. We are truly blessed to have such dedicated staff working within a community they are care a lot about." Abel Anaya is a 10-year-old from Holland. Abel joined Panther Elite this year bringing a strong work ethic and natural athletic ability. Wrestling in the novice division the majority of the season, Abel made the jump to the open division and placed 2nd at the West Regional finals in a crowded field. Also joining Anaya from Holland is Braylon Cates. Braylon in a real journeyman wrestler going to tournaments almost every weekend which started back in last December. Braylon currently has a MYWAY record of 36-8 for the season and was also able to make the jump from novice to open division, placing 2nd in the West Regional for his age and weight. Brothers James and Owen Foster from West Ottawa both qualified this season. James, a fifth grader has been wrestling since kindergarten and is one of the veterans of the program as he gets ready to transition to Middle School next year. This is his 3rd time qualifying for MYWAY States by placing 3rd overall in the West Region in a very tough age group. James also wrestles the Olympic styles and placed 2nd in Michigan at the MUSAW Freestyle and Greco Roman State Finals last year. His brother Owen also started wrestling in kindergarten and is one of the original Panther Elite club members. Owen wrestles all year round with Myrmidon Training Systems here in Holland competing in national level tournaments, WAAAM, Beach and Olympic Style Wrestling. Owen is a two time NUWAY All American, 3 time MYWAY State qualifier, and placed 3rd in Michigan for both Freestyle and Greco in 2018. Owen has a combined middle school and MYWAY record of 45-11 for this season and is aiming to place at States for his final season of MYWAY. Everyone is excited to see what he can do in high school next year. Owen finished 3rd in the West Region for his age and weight. Hunter Jurries is a freshman from Zeeland East who we claim as our own since his father, Arik Jurries, is one of our club coaches. Hunter has been wrestling his whole life and offers his expertise to the youth when he can attend practices. Hunter will compete at MYWAY State in the high school division, the clubs lone state qualifier. Alexzandir (Zandir) Kladder is an 11-year-old from West Ottawa. Another journeyman wrestler and 2-time State qualifier, Zandir has an insatiable drive to compete and wrestles in tournaments almost every weekend. His hard work and competitive spirit will have a positive impact on the West Ottawa Wrestling program for years to come. Zandir finished 4th for his age and weight in the West Region. Karl (Trey) Nadolsky is a 7-year-old from West Ottawa. Trey is following in the footsteps of his highly accomplished father Coach Nadolsky. From the moment Trey stepped on the mat he already had a natural athletic awareness you cannot be taught. This is Trey’s second state tournament qualification in as many years of wrestling. The Nadolsky legacy is in good hands with Trey. Brother and sister Chase and Layla Shults join us from Zeeland. Chase is a second time state qualifier and is the West Region Champion for his age and weight. He is a tour de force achieving an impressive MYWAY record of 8 first place tournament finishes this season in one of the most athletic divisions. Chase’s speed, technique and strength makes him one of the strongest wrestler’s in our club. His six-year-old sister Layla is in her second year of wrestling and qualified for state this year becoming the West Region Champion for her age and weight. Layla is the youngest female wrestler and smallest in our prgram, tipping the scales at 37lbs! She is competing with the boys and finished 1st place in 5 MYWAY tournaments this season. 8-year-old Brycen Soto from Holland competing in his first MYWAY season and another wrestler that made the jump from novice to placing in open at the West Regional. Brycen has a positive enthusiasm for wrestling and one of the most fearless double-leg attacks on the team. Abrielle Vander Zwaag is a West Ottawa middle schooler. Abby joined the program this season, transitioning from gymnastics to wrestling. In her first year wrestling she competed right away in MYWAY tournaments and WO Middle School. Her athleticism and flexibility from gymnastics carried over well into wrestling. Abby placed 3rd in the West Region and will compete against all the boys at State. She will also compete in the all-Girls State competition that weekend as well. The MYWAY Individual State Championships will be held March 29-31 at Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Fans can follow results at trackwrestling.com   Featuring a high-profile slate of national and regional coaches and athletes, the West Ottawa Wrestling Camp emphasize technical skill development and strategy. Our curriculum covers everything from basic fundamentals—stance, positioning, takedowns, and escapes—to advanced technique and strategy, including set-ups, finishes, and drilling. We separate wrestlers into smaller groups determined by age, weight and ability, so each wrestler will receive a level of training that fits his or her skill and experience level. The philosophy of our camp also relies on teaching a disciplined, focused mindset that is the trademark of the "Pantherstyle" Ethos. The West Ottawa Wrestling Camp is directed by college coaches along with All-American wrestlers. Active college wrestlers serve as counselors at this camp, as well as regional all-star talent. Our premier roster of coaches and wrestlers will train side-by-side with camp athletes and lead by example with the discipline and work ethic that are the foundation of our camp. This is all done at no cost to all West Ottawa Public School athletes. WEST OTTAWA WRESTLING CAMP June 11-14 West Ottawa High School K-2 9:30am-10:30am 3-6 10:30am-12:30pm 7-12 12:30pm-2:30pm COST All WOPS K-12 Wrestlers: FREE All Others: $20.00 CLINICIANS AND CAMP COUNSELORS  Ryan Lancaster
 Zac Hall
 Bill Schindel
 Tom Hall
Former West Ottawa Wrestling Camp Clinicians and Camp Counselors
 2019 OLYMPIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM REGISTER HERE March 12th-May 28th West Ottawa High School (PE-RTC) and Myrmidon Training Systems
FORMAT Clinics Group One 2nd-5th Grade
Group Two 6th -12th Grade
Open Mat Both Group One and Two
Scrimmages (Myrmidon Friday Nights)
Format: Wrestlers blocked into 5-8 groups. At the start of each round, wrestlers in that group will report to the mat and find a partner. All matches will be 4 minutes (2-2). Our Goal is to wrestle 4-5 rounds. TENTATIVE SCHEDULE
03.12.19 Clinic 03.19.19 Clinic 03.26.19 Clinic 04.09.19 Clinic 04.16.19 Clinic 04.23.19 Clinic 04.30.19 Clinic 05.05.19 Myrmidon Spring Classic 05.07.19 Clinic 05.14.19 Clinic 05.21.19 Clinic 05.28.19 Clinic  VIEW BRACKETS BELOW 6th Annual Little Panthers Youth Tournament
Who: Youth Wrestlers K-5th When: February 23rd, 2019 at 5pm Where: West Ottawa High School Cost: FREE Madison Block Weights (no weight classes) Kids ranked 1-3 and paired against wrestlers of same ability Register at www.westottawawrestling.com Check in by 4:30pm Awards for top 4 wrestlers in each weight class Plaque for 1-2 Place Team Spectators: $3.00 Adults/ $10.00 per Family MUST BE PRE-REGISTERED BY 10pm ON 02/22/19 #pantherstyle Facebook: /wopanthers Twitter: @westottpanthers Instagram: westottawawrestling Website: www.westottawawrestling.com Email: westottawawrestling@gmail.com West Ottawa Alums Kick Off College Seasons
11/27/2018
 HOLLAND, MI Today, we look at some of our alumni that are still competing at the collegiate level. Ethan Garcia (Adrian College), Ethan Curtin (Michigan State), Jace Garza (Merchant Marine Academy) and Ramon Correa (Coker College) all have begun competing at their respective programs. If you';d like to follow along, their schedules are posted below. Good luck to all our former wrestlers! Highlighted = Home Underlined = Live Stream  Ethan Garcia Adrian College So. 157 ADRIAN COLLEGE SCHEDULE 11.3.18 Adrian Invitational 11.10.18 at Mount Union Invitational 11.16.18 at Manchester 11.17.18 at Olivet College Duals 11.29.18 at Lourdes 12.01.18 at Ohio Northern Invitational 12.08.18 at North Central College Invitational 01.06.18 at Lakeland College 01.10.19 at Alma 11.12.19 at Al Hanke Invitational 11.15.19 at Trine 01.17.19 Case Western 01.19.19 Mel Berry Duals 01.25.19 Pete Willson Invitational 01.31.19 Olivet 02.05.19 at Defiance 7:00 PM 02.09.19 at Mid-States Conference Championships 02.22.19 at NCAA Division III Central Regional Championships 03.08.19 at NCAA Division III Championships  Ethan Curtin Michigan State University RS-So. 125 2017-18: (Redshirt Freshman) 7-14 Overall, 0-0 Duals, 7-14 Open Tournaments: Grady Peninger Scholastic Achievement Award recipient ... Tied for sixth on the team in major decisions with two ... Finished eighth at the Storm Open, posting a major decision while going 2-2 at the tournament ... Recorded a fall at the CSU Open at 3:45 over Cody Moosman of Cleveland State ... Tallied second major decision of the season against Hunter Lajiness of Henry Ford at the Alma Open ... Went 2-2 at the Edinboro Open to close out the season. MICHIGAN STATE SCHEDULE 11.03.18 Michigan State Open 11.17.18 at Navy Classic 11.28.18 Buffalo 12.07.18 Indiana 12.20.18 Reno Tournament of Champions 12.29.18 South Beach Duals 01.11.19 Illinois 01.13.19 at Ohio State 01.18.19 Michigan 01.25.19 at Rutgers 01.27.19 at Maryland 02.02.19 Bloomsburg/Northern Illinois 02.08.19 Northwestern 02.10.19 Cleveland State 02.15.19 at Penn State 02.17.19 Purdue 01.22.19 Central Michigan 03.09.19 Big Ten Championships at Minneapolis, MN 03.21.19 NCAA Championships at Pittsburgh, PA  Jace Garza US. Merchant Marines Academy So. 125 2017-18: 5-7 US MERCHANT MARINES ACADEMY SCHEDULE 11.03.18 Roger Williams Invitational 11.18.18 New York State Championships 11.30.18 New Standard Corp. Invitational 12.09.19 Mariner Duals 12.14.18 Baldwin-Wallace 12.15.18 Long Island Open 01.05.19 at North/South Duals 01.12.19 at Mule Duals 01.19.19 at Centennial Tri at Gettysburg 01.22.19 Stevens 01.26.19 at All-Academy Championships 02.02.19 at Centennial Tri * at Johns Hopkins 02.06.19 at Coast Guard 02.09.19 Centennial Championships 02.23.19 NCAA Mideast Regional Championships at Brockport, N.Y. 03.08.19 NCAA National Championships at Roanoke, Va.  Ramon Correa Coker College RS JR. 285 COKER COLLEGE SCHEDULE 11.02.18 Blue vs. Gold Intersquad Match 11.04.18 at Hokie Open 11.11.18 at King Open 11.17.18 at Georgia Open 11.27.18 UNC-Pembroke 12.02.18 Newberry Duals at Newberry, S.C 12.15.18 vs. Midwest Classic at Indianapolis, Ind. 01.08.19 at Limestone 01.12.19 Coker Duals 01.19.19 at Emmanuel 01.25.19 Belmont Abbey 01.30.19 Newberry 02.03.19 Queens 02.10.19 at King 02.14.19 Liberty 02.22.19 at NCAA Super Regionals 03.08.19 vs. NCAA DII Championships at Cleveland, OH NEXT LEVEL CLUB
James Tietema Muskegon CC, University of Findlay Karl Nadolsky Michigan State Rory Lancaster Muskegon CC Ryan Lancaster Muskegon CC, Eastern Michigan, Grand Valley State Spencer Nadolsky North Carolina Prescott Slee Indiana Mathias Sarli Muskegon CC John McClure Eastern Michigan Kareem Naguib Binghamton Michael McClure Michigan State Miguel Correa Grand Valley State Nate Colvin Grand Valley State Ramon Correa Muskegon CC, Coker College Anthony Inthavong Grand Valley State Ethan Curtin Michigan State Keenan Montoya Elmhurst College Quinten Reid Grand Valley State Ethan Garcia Adrian College Jace Garza US Merchant Marine Academy 2018-2019 Fan Gear Stores Are Open
11/13/2018
 HOLLAND, MI- We have teamed up with the Embroidery House, Addix, and NBS Fightwear to provide the West Ottawa wrestling family its fan and team gear this season. FAN GEAR This order from the Embroidery House is put together to ensure friends and family have wrestling shirts to wear during our matches. Or our athletes have team wear to work out in. Please print off a flyer and return it with cash or check to one of the coach prior to Nov. 20th, 2018. All checks MUST be made out to West Ottawa Public Schools (No exceptions). If you have any questions, email them HERE. TEAM GEAR
Though most of this will be gear that the wrestlers use to compete this season, fans will be able to get their hands on it as well. Place an online order and Addix will ship it directly to you (NBS Fightwear Store will open next month to coincide with our Little Panthers program). Myrmidon Attack Tournament Results
10/29/2018
 HOLLAND, MI Wrestlers from all over the state gathered at West Ottawa High School on October 28th to take part in the 4th Annual Myrmidon Attack Tournament. The Panthers had a great showing, with multiple placers. While it was a fundraiser for both West Ottawa and Myrmidon programs, a portion also went to Pinning Down Autism, a charitable organization whose mission is to respond and address the immediate needs of children and their families within our local communities that are affected by autism and to promote education and awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder’s. This year, we also donated to another important organization in the wrestling: Pin Cancer. Pin Cancer is a registered 501(c)3 charity. All their proceeds go to building awareness on all types of cancer as well as research initiatives at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Having both programs both effected recently by cancer, Coach Lancaster thought it would be fitting to give back, The Attack Tournament is unique, as it is the only one of its type. The Attack Bandz are utilized to keep score instead of traditional takedowns and escapes. The Attack Bandz themselves are a removable strap for wrapping around and securing to a wrestler's ankle. "Think like flag football, but for wrestling, " Coach Ryan Lancaster describes to new wrestlers."It's also a great learning tool," he went on to say, "that makes wrestling accessible to everyone, even kids that have never competed before." $30.00 was donated to Pinning Down Autism. Myrmidon and West Ottawa have raised $948.50 for this charity since 2016. $30.00 was donated to Pin Cancer. Myrmidon and West Ottawa have raised $107.00 for this charity since 2017 2018 Attack Tournament Results Attack Kids 40-48 1st Jackson Domanski- Jackattack 2nd Trey Nadolsky- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 3rd Dominic DeCarlo- Grandville 4th Anthony Casares- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 45-50.5 1st Markko Foster- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Chase VanPortfliet- Grandville 3rd Carson Egbert- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 60-63 1st Chase Shults- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Matthew Quigley- Titan Pipeline 3rd Ayden Hendrickson- Titan Pipeline 4th Mason Carr- Zeeland 64.5-69 1st Andrew Moro- Mean Machine 2nd Juelz Soto- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 3rd Aiden Cruz- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 70-75 1st Josh Vazquez- West Michigan Pursuit 2nd Bryson Soto- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 3rd Wyatt Berghuis- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 70-75 1st Quinten Cassiday- West Michigan Pursuit 2nd James Foster- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 3rd Zandir Kladder- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 4th Braylon Cates- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 79.7-86 1st Abel Anaya- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Gaven Cruz- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 3rd Raymond Casares- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 85 1st Alexander Trbulin- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 93.2-100 1st Abrielle Vander zwaag- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Ariana Jo Henderickson- Titan Pipeline 150 1st Diego Mata- Panther Elite/Myrmidon Youth 90-100 1st-Mathew Hakken- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Jacob Chase- Hamilton Hawkeyes 109-120 1st Owen Foster- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Christian Quintanilla- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 3rd Noah Quick- Allendale Wrestling Club 138-152 1st Gabby Ramirez- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Hunter Jurries- Myrmidon 3rd Michael Brower- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 167-173 1st Logan Hornshaw- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Michael Gibson- Myrmidon 195-215 1st Eric Hernandez- Fennville 2nd Humberto Zamora- Kalamazoo Central Adult 145-165 1st Michael Fries-Fennville 2nd Vincent Kladder-Panther Elite/Myrmidon 171-175 1st Kasey Nadolsky- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Travis Myrkle- Kalamazoo Central 3rd Justin Domanski Jackattack Takedown Kids 45-50 1st Jackson Domanski- Jackattack 2nd Trey Nadolsky- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 3rd Dominic DeCarlo- Grandville 50-62 1st Chase Shults- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Mason Carr- Zeeland 3rd Chase VanPortflient- Grandville 4th Markko Foster- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 62.4-64.5 1st Matthey Quigley- Titan Pipeline 2nd Ayden Henderickson- Titan Pipeline 3rd Aiden Cruz- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 69-71 1st Quinten Cassiday- West Michigan Pursuit 2nd Andrew Moro- Mean Machine 3rd Zandir Kladder- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 75 1st Josh Vazquez-West Michigan Pursuit 2nd Payton Paguada- Broncos Wrestling Club 3rd James Foster- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 79.7-80 1st Abel Anaya- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Gaven Cruz- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 3rd Raymond Casares- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 86 1st Alexander Trbulin- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 93.2-100 1st- Abrielle Vander zwaag- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Arianna Jo Henderickson- Titan Pipeline 150 Diego Mata-Panther Elite/Myrmidon YOUTH 75-90 1st Josh Vazquez-West Michigan Pursuit 2nd Jacob Chase- Hamilton Hawkeyes 100-109 1st Owen Foster- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Mathew Hakken- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 112-120 1st Christian Quintanilla- PantherElite/Myrmidon 2nd Noah Quick- Allendale Wrestling Club 160-173 1st Michael Gibson-Myrmidon 2nd Logan Hornshaw- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 195-215 1st Eric Hernandez- Fennville 2nd Humberto Zamora- Kalamazoo Central 3rd Nicke Fries- Fennville ADULT 140-165 1st Kasey Nadolsky- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 2nd Michael Fries- Fennville 3rd Robert Espinoza- Kalamazoo Central 4th Vincent Kladder- Panther Elite/Myrmidon 171-196 1st Shane Kelly- Kalamazoo Central 2nd Justin Domanski- Jackattack 3rd Travis Myrkle- Kalamazoo Central  HOLLAND, MI- West Ottawa has a fine tradition of wrestling competing on the national stage. Mathew Hakken has added his name to the list of national team members this school has produced (joined also by his team mate Julian Jimenez). Hakken is a man on a mission and he inspires those around him to dedicate themselves to something greater. We chatted with Mathew about his upcoming sophomore season, his adventures in Fargo, and the fears he has faced.
How did you prepare for this season? The way that I prepared for the upcoming season is I practiced at least 3 days a week. I worked out most weekends preparing for Nationals in Fargo with some of the best coaches and wrestlers in the state. I was able to travel to some of the best facilities in the state. I also pushed myself harder than I have ever in order to get ready to wrestle at the national level which will help me this season. Realizing that when you think you're done, you're not, you just need to push through a little farther. What was being on a travel team like? Being on a travel team was pretty fun. I got to meet a lot of new people from around the state as well as people from other states. It was a great experience wrestling for different coaches who had a lot of different techniques. It was also really great to work with other wrestlers from around the state who are some of the top kids at their schools. How was your experience wrestling at the national finals in Fargo? Wrestling in Fargo was very intense. I was able to wrestle with some of the top wrestlers in the country. I was able to pick up different skills and moves from some of the best wrestlers the country. It was an amazing opportunity that I was able to take part in this past summer. I realized with hard work, and dedication I can achieve some of the goals I have set for myself sooner than I thought possible. What are some of the hurdles you have to face? One of the biggest hurtles I have is getting in my head before a match. I have to realize that the match right before me is the one I need to focus on. It doesn't matter who I am wrestling, it doesn't matter who they have beat in the past, this is the match that matters right now. I also have to continue to work on my quickness. I need to continue to get a little fast each day. What has been for motivation in the off season? My motivation during the off season originally was to make it to Fargo. After Fargo, my motivation is to make it have another winning season. I would like to make it to regionals, and then to state this year. Realizing that I was able to make it to the national level really helped motivate me to continue to grow throughout the off season, as well as continue to grow through the season. Who is your wrestling hero? My wrestling heroes are Coach Jared and Coach Lancaster. They continue to push me farther than I thought I could. Both coaches have been by my side throughout my wrestling seasons, whether that be folk style, or free style/Greco. They both inspire me to reach for goals that don't seem possible, and even when I fall short, they continues to push me, and encourage me to keep my head up, stay focused, and try again. They are not only a great coaches, but a great people as well. |
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