Perry freshman Zach Thompson has wrestled more like a senior at times this year.  The young 106 pounder takes his 44-9 record and district championship to state this week and will compete in the 2A opening round Thursday afternoon.  Thompson won the District Title Saturday by securing a pair of decision victories including a 6-1 win over Gilbert’s Sinjin Briggs.

“I was very excited because I knew the kid I beat was a quality wrestler.  I was able to dominate early and it is just an awesome feeling to qualify for state,” commented Thompson.

Thompson has been successful striking first in many of his victories and will look to continue that trend later this week.

“I am really comfortable on my feet to set up my single leg to either side.  Once I get on top, I have been able to get the tight waist tilt quite a few times.  I love attacking the single to the opponent’s left leg.  We’ll see what happens.”

Thompson will be one of two first time qualifiers for Perry but the only freshman to qualify for Trevor Kittleson’s squad.

“I think just going to practice each day and working hard and I didn’t have to cut a lot of weight this year so I could stay refreshed when I got home by eating and drinking and keeping my energy level really high.  Staying refreshed each and every day certainly helped with the grind of the long season.”

Thompson will try to set the tone for Perry this Thursday afternoon when the 1st round 2A action starts at 1:30.  You can listen to Thompson’s matches on the Raccoon Valley Radio Network and online at raccoonvalleyradio.com.