Wrestling: Mustangs are motivated to make a state title run

WISHEK, N.D. — This season has been unlike any other for the South Border Mustangs, who have taken a step up in their competition. Despite being a Class B school, South Border added more matchups against Class A schools this season. Giving the Mustangs new experiences.

“It’s been good for the kids,” head coach Josh Hoffman says. “We switched up our schedule up a bit from years past, trying to get more Class A competition, just so they get a feel for that. There’s a little difference sometimes between Class A and Class B, and I wanted to up that competition level.

“It’s been different,” senior Jace Nitschke adds. It’s been a challenge. It’s something that’s new. We haven’t done it before. It’s been really nice to get out and dual all these Class A teams. It’s always been something we’ve talked about doing just to see where we are with some of the tougher teams that are in the state. It’s been really fun. It’s been a challenge. It’s been enjoyable.”

While these matchups have been challenging for the South Border wrestlers, the team feels that these matches against bigger schools have not only made them better but also boosted their confidence.

“It’s been a really good experience,” senior Carson Glaesman says. “The coaches kind of told us not to take it as losing to these better kids from bigger schools and just use it as experience and to get better.”

“We’ve been looked down on by them and having these close duals is something you can’t really take away from us,” Nitschke adds. “It’s always there. We know we’re right there with these teams and it’s just that little bit more that we need that is going to be given by these close duals. It’s just awesome to experience.”

In addition to the stronger competition, the Mustangs have a deep roster that’s embracing competition every time they step on the mat.

“I love the competition,” Hoffman says. “I love how hard they push each other. We’ve got kids that are wrestling off that I feel could place at state, that aren’t going to make the team. Which is great. Our best teams that we’ve ever had, practice has to get intense to have a state championship team.”

As the postseason is around the corner, South Border is motivated to make a run at a state title. That motivation coming from within after a dual loss to Lisbon in January.

“After that duel, we kind of sat down, had a heart-to-heart about, you know, we really got to find it in ourselves to just improve each and every day and not waste any days here in the practice room,” Glaesman says. “This time of the year, you have a choice to make. You can either fade as this year goes on or really dig in and finish out strong. I think we’re doing a good job of digging in and trying to just ride it out so long as we can.”

“It’s hard to come to practice every day wanting to get better, and that’s something that we are really good at,” Nitschke adds. “We’re always in practice and working hard as much as we can. Something that towards the end of the year I think it’s going to really show and I’m excited to see how we do.”

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