With the conclusion of the NCAA wrestling championships less than a week ago, the wrestling mindset for high school athletes shifts towards the possibility of their shot at college level success.

That mindset is especially present in one of the nation’s top wrestling states in Iowa as high school wrestlers in the Hawkeye state jockey for their chance at college glory. It may be quite the mountainous task to reach the next level for high school wrestlers, but with enough hard work and dedication, the goal can be reached. Evidence of that can be found stemming from ADM high school as two former wrestling standouts Trevor Harsh and last year’s 2A 160 lb champion Zach Johnston not only reached the college level but flourished. Johnston was a freshmen phenom for the Minnesota State Mavericks and Harsh ended off a phenomenal year of his own making it to the division III national tournament as a member of the Platteville Pioneer wrestling team.

Raccoon Valley Radio was able to catch up with ADM head wrestling coach Justin Schmauss as he spoke about success for ADM wrestlers at the next level.

“We had two of my previous wrestlers, Zach Johnston and Trevor Harsh were wrestling not too long ago after the state wrestling tournament in their own regional qualifiers and national tournaments. They’re definitely doing well at the college level. Trevor Harsh made it to the division three NCAA national tournament and won a match up there which is quite a big deal. Zach Johnston came up short on qualifying to the national tournament in division two. He was a true freshmen this year, he didn’t even red shirt, they just thought he was doing well enough right out of the gate to put him in there and have him compete,” explained Schmauss.

Raccoon Valley Radio also asked coach Schmauss about the potential for his current wrestlers to make splashes at the college level as well some day.

“Just comparing the guys we have now, yeah they’re definitely capable of getting to that level and growing over the next two years and getting themselves into that same position,” continued coach Schmauss.