Hastings High’s wrestling team has proven to be a force to be reckoned with, and this season is not different.
On the weekend of February 10th, the Hastings wrestling team competed at districts. At the end of the tournament, the team brought home six district titles. The wrestlers who will be competing at the state tournament this weekend are freshmen Bryce Brown, Mason Brumbaugh, and Damen Pape; and juniors Blayne Kile, Joel Smith, and Connor Laux.
But the team has put in a great deal of effort to be in the position they are right now. The endurance each wrestler has shown over the regular season will soon be exemplified as they prepare for the state tournament.
“I just have to prepare mentally right now. I mean, physically I’m there, but as a freshman it’s hard up top,” Pape said.
Weighing in at 170 lbs, Pape typically competes with upperclassmen. This can make it difficult to be successful against opponents who have years of experience on Pape. But he is remaining hopeful for the way the state tournament will play out.
“Competition wise, it’s way different. Last year, I didn’t have to work as hard to win, but now I have to make no mistakes in my matches,” Pape said.
However, Pape believes that with continuous hard work and support from his team, he can possibly bring home a state title.
One of the struggles the team was required to overcome this season is the fact that it is a very young team. With no seniors and only a handful of juniors, the underclassmen have had to work much harder to support the team at meets. Junior Connor Laux has risen to the occasion and acts as a team leader. He also believes that the reinforcement he receives from his teammates also help him triumph.
“It’s played a big role because we have a really young team this season, so just helping out the younger kids and working on those little things with them really helps me out,” Laux said.
As for state, Laux is no stranger to the tournament. He qualified and medaled both his freshman and sophomore years. This year is shaping up to be no different.
“It’s been a good season so far, im 39-2 and I won districts last week. I’ll hopefully continue winning on to state,” Laux said. “There are upsets every year, and you’ve got to take it one match at a time.”
The boys left for the tournament at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha, and will begin matches today. The final championship rounds will take place on Saturday, February 18th.
