Andale’s Levi Eck knows he’s lost two matches on the season, but he has no idea the number in the win column. Not to say it doesn’t matter, but Eck isn’t wrestling for right now, he’s looking at another state title in 182.
But more importantly, he says, will be the third straight team state championship in Andale.
The Indians have won the past two team state championships and show no signs of stopping.
“(Another team championship) is the bigger challenge,” said Eck. “There’s been a lot of multiple state champions (as individuals), but to win a third team title would be huge for our school.”
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So, he’s not too worried about himself. He is more worried about his teammates getting to the finals and getting them a title, instead of another belt for himself.
“I would probably be more excited about someone else getting to the finals,” said Eck. “I’ve been there before, so I know what it’s like.”
He said that when he is on the mat, a place he has become familiar with in his 12 years on it, he is more of a tactician. He’s only been taken down once this season, a season that is just a few weeks away from regional tournaments.
“I just score,” said Eck. “And don’t let him score.”
It’s a simple game plan, but Andale head coach Brad Lies said there is so much more that goes into Eck’s strategy.
“His hips are so mobile,” said Lies. “You get a shot on him, he moves his hips just wrong, you’re fighting to get off your back. It’s got to be very frustrating for other wrestlers.”
Eck doesn’t try to overpower or dominate a match, but instead uses strategy and scores here and there to build a lead.
“It’s rarely tied after the first period,” Eck said. “Either I get a point or he gets a point. I don’t like to have things tied up.”
Eck plans to help his team to a third consecutive title the same way he has the past two years. He has always pinned wrestlers in the early rounds of the state tournament, which gives Andale more than few points right off the bat.
His goal for himself this year, though, is to get back to the final mat.
“As long as I don’t mess up too bad,” said Eck. “I’d like to make the finals, at least.”
