ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
WILL MASON - State Champion
This week’s Athlete of the Week, sophomore Will Mason, has had a season of highs. He’s established himself as one of the best overall wrestlers in state competition, and he dominated his weight class in the 2010 season. This was no more evident than during last weekend’s private schools state championship meet.
“Our schedule was tougher this past season,” head coach Jack Effner said. “I thought it was real important to make sure our team was challenged so we could reach our potential and be ready for the post-season.”
Consider that goal a success. The Dolphins dominated the TCIS throughout the course of the season, and positioned a number of wrestlers into contention at the state level. Mason built a 37-3 record over the course of the year, and he manhandled the competition in an undefeated run to a conference championship in the 103 lb weight class.
But his expertise goes beyond the 103 lb weight class and beyond private school competition.
“Will has beaten several of the public school's district, regional, and state competitors,” Effner continued. “In fact he beat the 103 lb public school state champion earlier this season. We even moved him up a weight class for competitive reasons and he beat one 112 lb district champion.”
And that variety of competition paid off this past weekend in the state championship meet.
“He dominated his first three opponents with hand-fighting, aggressive leg attacks, and punishing top wrestling,” Effner said of Will’s performance last weekend. “His finals opponent was an even battle. He faced him back in early January and won in overtime. In that match he fell behind early but finished strong pulling out a victory. The state finals match was 0-0 after one period. His opponent chose the bottom position and did not get out. This is definitely one of Will's strengths, he can hold you down and put you on your back. He then finished off the match with great scrambles pulling out a 2-1 victory.”
The 2-1 victory locked up Mason’s second straight state title at the 103 lb weight class, and it sets up an exciting weekend at the upcoming National Prep Championships. Mason is a reigning All-American in the same weight class he is competing in this year, and he figures to battle for a national title. He will most likely get the #2 seed in the 103 lb weight class, but the grouping has five or six wrestlers that are capable of winning the championship. Regardless of the competition, Mason’s intangibles figure to have him in the title picture.
“Will pays attention to the top wrestlers at all levels,” said Effner. “He has the discipline and dedication to prepare well, and a fierce warrior mentality in practice and competition. He practices being tough on a daily basis. With all this his biggest asset is his belief in himself and his competitive nature.
“When he steps out on the mat he knows how to turn the switch on, and when off he is the most fun and personable guy to be around,” Effner finished. “Opposing coaches often comment on his high level of intensity, yet he’s always the sportsman on and off the mat. He is the kind of person that brings out the best in all he is around. We’re hoping it is his weekend. Regardless of the outcome, history has shown he will put on a great show.”
WILL MASON - State Champion
This week’s Athlete of the Week, sophomore Will Mason, has had a season of highs. He’s established himself as one of the best overall wrestlers in state competition, and he dominated his weight class in the 2010 season. This was no more evident than during last weekend’s private schools state championship meet.
“Our schedule was tougher this past season,” head coach Jack Effner said. “I thought it was real important to make sure our team was challenged so we could reach our potential and be ready for the post-season.”
Consider that goal a success. The Dolphins dominated the TCIS throughout the course of the season, and positioned a number of wrestlers into contention at the state level. Mason built a 37-3 record over the course of the year, and he manhandled the competition in an undefeated run to a conference championship in the 103 lb weight class.
But his expertise goes beyond the 103 lb weight class and beyond private school competition.
“Will has beaten several of the public school's district, regional, and state competitors,” Effner continued. “In fact he beat the 103 lb public school state champion earlier this season. We even moved him up a weight class for competitive reasons and he beat one 112 lb district champion.”
And that variety of competition paid off this past weekend in the state championship meet.
“He dominated his first three opponents with hand-fighting, aggressive leg attacks, and punishing top wrestling,” Effner said of Will’s performance last weekend. “His finals opponent was an even battle. He faced him back in early January and won in overtime. In that match he fell behind early but finished strong pulling out a victory. The state finals match was 0-0 after one period. His opponent chose the bottom position and did not get out. This is definitely one of Will's strengths, he can hold you down and put you on your back. He then finished off the match with great scrambles pulling out a 2-1 victory.”
The 2-1 victory locked up Mason’s second straight state title at the 103 lb weight class, and it sets up an exciting weekend at the upcoming National Prep Championships. Mason is a reigning All-American in the same weight class he is competing in this year, and he figures to battle for a national title. He will most likely get the #2 seed in the 103 lb weight class, but the grouping has five or six wrestlers that are capable of winning the championship. Regardless of the competition, Mason’s intangibles figure to have him in the title picture.
“Will pays attention to the top wrestlers at all levels,” said Effner. “He has the discipline and dedication to prepare well, and a fierce warrior mentality in practice and competition. He practices being tough on a daily basis. With all this his biggest asset is his belief in himself and his competitive nature.
“When he steps out on the mat he knows how to turn the switch on, and when off he is the most fun and personable guy to be around,” Effner finished. “Opposing coaches often comment on his high level of intensity, yet he’s always the sportsman on and off the mat. He is the kind of person that brings out the best in all he is around. We’re hoping it is his weekend. Regardless of the outcome, history has shown he will put on a great show.”
