The Hampton-Dumont-CAL boys wrestling team continued their offseason training with participation at the Train Like a Norseman Team Wrestling Camp hosted by Luther College this week.
The Bulldogs won the silver division in duals going 8-2 overall and placed fourth overall in the team points race.
Head Coach Patrick Hansen says team bonding prepares wrestlers for big moments later in the year.
“Moments like that that make you come together,” says Hansen. “When you get to the end of the year you need that win for your team to go on to state duels or you need that win to win the conference tournament, you’re not going to let the guy down that was in there pushing you the whole time. You’re also not going to let yourself down because you put too much time and effort into it. I know our kids are working for that, they’re working towards that goal. I think we’re doing a better job all around than we have the last few years.”
Individual tournament champions at Luther, included Tristen Mulford (3-0, 6-4 overall), Charlie Showalter (3-0, 9-2 overall), and Brody Strother (2-0, 10-0 overall). Strother with an undefeated camp record earned outstanding wrestler and a singlet.
Hansen says the Bulldogs have high expectations for next season and he is ready to see the work on the mat.
“These kids, they have really lofty expectations, it’s gonna be hard to get to. Every time I’ve had a group of kids have a set of lofty expectations, we’ve gotten really close. We haven’t quite caught it yet. They still end up pretty high up there. You reach the stars, you don’t end up with a handful of mud. I’m ready to see these kids get on the mat. I know we’ll keep putting the work in this summer.”
HD-CAL is projected to return 25 wrestlers from last season.
