With six state qualifiers returning back to the Hastings High wrestling team, coach Austin Weidner is in a good place for this season.
Senior Joel Smith, sophomore Izaak Hunsley, and sophomore Mason Brumbaugh have prepared well for the 2017-2018 season.
Smith keeps in shape for the season by participating in offseason practices and tournaments. He started wrestling when he was in preschool and says he brings work ethic and leadership to the team.
For Hunsley, he says that he doesn’t really have an offseason.
“Before the season starts I play football so that helps. The main thing I focus on outside of wrestling itself is my conditioning,” Hunsley said.
Due to a leg injury, he was incapable to wrestle during the 2016-2017 season. This year, Hunsley would like to place top three at state.
“It’s very possible that if I slowly fix the little errors I have throughout the season that I will have a great shot at winning the state tournament,” Hunsley said.
For Hunsley, his dad is his biggest supporter.
“He’s always in my ear telling me what I need to improve on and what I need to look out for,” he said. “He knows me more than I know myself sometimes, and I’m grateful that he keeps me focused.”
During his freshman year, Brumbaugh won a match at the state tournament. This year, being his ninth year wrestling, he hopes to get more than thirty wins to return to state.
Throughout Brumbaugh’s career, his father has been his biggest supporter.
“He has always pushed me to get better each day. He is the one who has honestly got me to the skill level I am at today,” Brumbaugh said.
The team hopes to return to state this year. Brumbaugh said, “We have a legit shot at a state title. With some hard work from some key guys we should make an exciting run at it this year.”
