For sophomore Carson Steele and seniors Nick Allen and Wade Rottinghaus, wrestling has become more than just a sport to them. Through long practices, close losses and hard earned wins, each athlete says the mat has helped shape who they are today. 

Carson Steele first joined wrestling because of encouragement from his dad and friends.

“My dad really wanted me to wrestle, and then all my friends told me to go wrestle,” Steele said.

Now a sophomore competing on varsity, Steele said wrestling against older, stronger upperclassmen has changed his mindset.

“It’s really hard because they’re usually a lot bigger and a lot stronger than me, but I’ve upset a lot of them,” Steele said. “I guess it’s just not giving up.” 

Like Steele, Nick Allen also traces his roots in wrestling back to family.

“I think my dad got me into wrestling when I was really little,” Allen said.

However, what has kept him committed over the years is the dedication the sport requires.

“You have to put in work in the offseason or else you won’t be successful,” Allen said.

That strong work ethic was tested during one of the toughest moments of his wrestling career at last year’s regional tournament.

“I had to win one match to make it to state, and I lost by two points,” Allen said.

Despite the disappointment, Allen turned that loss into motivation rather than defeat.

“It just made me want to work harder and come back better,” Allen said.

For Allen wrestling has molded into the human being he is today.

“It requires you to give 100% all the time, I think that’s what made me a better person, and made me more determined, ” Allen said.

Wade Rottinghaus began wrestling in elementary school with friends and has stuck with it ever since.

“I keep coming back because Brad makes wrestling fun,” Rottinghaus said.

Even with that enjoyment, Rottinghaus has faced significant challenges. His toughest match came this year against the seventh-ranked wrestler in the nation.

“It taught me that there are levels to this,” Rottinghaus said.

With postseason competition approaching, his goal remains clear.

“Make it to state,” Rottinghaus said. 

Which he did achieve his goal. Recentely, Rottinghaus placed 3rd this year at the Kansas 4a State Wrestling Championship.

Through challenges and triumphs, all three wrestlers agree that the sport has pushed them to grow, not just as athletes, but as individuals determined to keep improving. One lesson that wrestling has taught Rottinghaus and his teammates that will carry them beyond the mat is perseverance.

“Don’t give up, even when you’re in a really bad position,” Rottinghaus said.