For senior Keegan Dresslar, his passion for wrestling goes beyond the boundaries of mere competition.
Discovering early on that wrestling wasn’t just a physical challenge, but rather a significant aspect of his identity, Dresslar decided that it was something he was going to dedicate his life to.
Although Dresslar has faced many challenges throughout his wrestling career, his work ethic has shaped him into the successful wrestler he is today and helped him to achieve many dreams, such as going to state.
“Wrestling has never just been a sport to me,” Dresslar said. “It’s really a way of life.”
From the moment Dresslar stepped on the mat for the first time, he knew it was right where he was meant to be. It allowed him to find a sense of belonging that he never knew he would be able to experience.
For many, sports are often dictated by one’s physical stature. For Dresslar, this has never been a limitation. Rather, it is the reason he was able to discover his love for wrestling.
When wrestling, his size becomes irrelevant. Instead, it is about technique and passion — qualities that Dresslar has mastered during the countless hours he has spent on the mat.
“I was too small for most sports, and that’s why I was able to fall in love with wrestling,” Dresslar said. “Regardless of your size, you won’t be singled out.”
Dresslar has become accustomed to going above and beyond for his sport since he has no off-season. On any given day, he can be found staying after practice to get in extra time on the mat.
No matter how much he practices, Dresslar is always striving for more.
“The difference maker for him was the extra training,” head coach Nick Skinner said. “He consistently trains all year round.”
When his senior year began to approach, Dresslar knew there was a lot on the line. Throughout his wrestling career, he never had the opportunity to compete at state, which was a goal of his.
After having a successful senior season with an overall record of 39-7, he had high hopes that this would be the year he achieved his dream.
Dresslar was determined to seal this opportunity before he graduated, and it all came down to one match that dictated whether or not he would qualify to go to state.
As he stepped on the mat for his ticket round match, Dresslar says all he could feel was anxious, knowing this was his last shot at achieving his goal.
“I was extremely nervous for the match,” Dresslar said. “But it all paid off when I won because I knew that I was finally going to compete at state.”
With all of the excitement leading up to the state championship, Dresslar was prepared to give it his all in hopes of bringing home a title.
After four matches, he had an overall record of 2-2 and ended up placing sixth place in his weight class.
“All the pressure got to me, and I was unable to perform my best,” Dresslar said. “I had to fight hard for every point and put everything I had out there.”
Even though the state championship didn’t result in the outcome Dresslar was hoping for, he is already back to focusing on his future and what may come next for him.
Dresslar hasn’t settled on a specific school. However, he knows that he definitely wants to pursue wrestling at the collegiate level.
“I have been talking to multiple colleges, and I’m going to make the final decision soon,” Dresslar said. “I’m really looking forward to the next level of wrestling.”
As he prepares for his next step in life, he carries with him the valuable lessons he learned on the mat.
No matter where his wrestling career takes him, Dresslar knows that the sport will always be an essential part of who he is.
“This sport is my life,” Dresslar said. “It has shaped me as a person throughout the years and has taught me many valuable lessons that will help me for the rest of my life.”
