This year senior Damen Pape won his second state title. The Tigers qualified 13 out 14 wrestlers for state.
“As a coach, I am extremely proud to have qualified 13 of 14 wrestlers. In the history of HHS wrestling, we have never qualified more than 12. We had some guys step up and have a really good district tournament,” head coach Nolan Laux said.
In order to prepare for state, the Tigers shortened their practices. They also worked on their techniques for state.
“We prepared for state by having 45 minutes to an hour practice, we just really focused on getting quality work in that short amount of time,” Laux said.
There were many challenges that Pape faced health-wise.
“I was sick and had minor injuries throughout the season,” Pape said.
Pape had many goals coming into the season, including winning his second state championship.
“ I was a bit upset after because I did not wrestle to my full potential but now I am glad that I got it done for the second time and feel very blessed,” Pape said.
Damen beat Luke MacDonald of Bennington to claim the state title for weight class 182.
“When Damen won, I was happy for him. There aren’t many people in our history that have won more than one state title,” Laux said.
After graduation, Pape will further his wrestling at Northern Colorado.
“ I am excited that Damen signed with Northern Colorado. Coach Nickerson is a great coach, and I think he will help Damen jump levels and compete at a very high level,” Laux said.
