Districts were basically the same as sectionals to me. I knew I could win my first match if I wrestled smart and stayed away from certain moves. But those moves got me pretty worried. As the match drew nearer and nearer I got more nervous and more nervous. This was one of the most important matches of my life. I was the only sophomore in my weight class and I felt like an underdog with something to prove. By the time the match was called I was beyond nervous. But all the butterflies went away when the whistle blew. I took my opponent down to his back right away in the first period. I didn’t pin him and I ended up getting reversed but I ended up winning the match 7-3. I was so happy! I knew I did what I had to do to make the state tournament. I once again had to face the same kid that beat me at sectionals and he pinned me again.
Even though I had just lost I was still happy. I accomplished more than what my goals were this year. I made the Iowa State Wrestling Tournament! Finally my work is starting to pay off I thought! Everyone was so proud of me especially my dad and my coaches. The feeling of making it to state was great!
When we got done to Des Moines I already started to get nervous. There were so many good wrestlers down there. It was almost intimidating. Even weigh-ins was kind of intimidating. I saw kids that have won state titles in the past. Even though I was nervous about the wrestling part, I was with a few of my friends who made the trip very fun. Having my friends there made the pressure of doing well go away. I knew win or lose we were still going to have fun.
During warm ups on every day my nerves were as high as they had ever been. But once again as soon as I started wrestling I zoned all of the nerves out. I wrestled the future champion right away and lost. But I wasn’t too upset. I knew he was good and I wrestled hard, I can’t regret losing to him because I gave it my all. Losing right away first round put a lot of pressure on me to get into the placing matches however. I felt the need to win my next to matches. The second match I wrestled I just wrestled really smart and attacked when I had to. I ended up pinning him in the second period. My third match I knew would be very tough. It was against the only other sophomore in my bracket and it was the match to get into the placing rounds. I wrestled smart and attacked when shots were open and I opened up the first period with a 4-1 lead. I took him down again in the second to lead 6-2. In the third he took me down on a cheap shot and I lead 6-4. I ended up winning 6-4. After the match I was exhausted. I had tried so hard but I also felt great triumph. I had just placed at the state tournament as a sophomore! I ended up losing my next two matches but I was really glad to place.
Now I feel very proud of what I accomplished. I don’t show off about placing but I can sense people that know have an understanding that I worked hard for it and they know how tough I am. I have even added a state medal to my collection since my sophomore year. This year as a junior I placed 5th. I was expecting much better but I will just take it as motivation for my senior year.