The state wrestling tournament resumed this morning with the opening round in class 1A. Second ranked Taylor Curtis advanced at 106 pounds with an 8-2 victory over Kolby Munson of Ogden. “I felt pretty crisp, I can do a lot better though,” Curtis said.
Curtis finished third a year ago and says while he is motivated to take the next step he does not feel added pressure. “We have philosophy, it’s ‘get excited, not nervous,’ no jitters. I’d say it helps a little being here and knowing the arena,” according to Curtis.
Curtis says while tournament experience is a plus as you never know what to expect from each match. He says some matches you come out and it’s a kid you know their style and know how to wrestle them, and then you might go against another kid and you are not sure.
Alburnett sophomore Hunter Washburn won last year’s 106 pound title. Washburn advanced to the quarterfinals at 113 pounds with a hard fought 10-6 victory over Aaron Bartenhagen of Durant. “Every match is tough during the state tournament, you can’t take any of them lightly. I got the number three seed right off the bat, took him down and now it’s on to the next kid,” Barenhagen said.
Washburn knows as a returning champion he has a target on his back as everyone looks at you and he said the best thing is to try and ignore it and know you have to beat everyone in front of you.
With nine wrestlers qualified Wasshburn says the Pirates also also focused on the team race.