Coaches Corner: Van Wert’s Ben Collins

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent sports editor

Most coaches will agree – while it’s important to get off to a good start, it’s equally or more important to compete well down the home stretch of any sports season.

That’s the case for Van Wert High School wrestlers. After a bit of a slow start against a loaded schedule, the Cougars have won consecutive Western Buckeye League dual meets against Elida, Kenton and Ottawa-Glandorf, and placed third at the 14-team Wapakoneta Invitational. Van Wert fell to powerful Wauseon in the second round of the State Duals.

Head coach Ben Collins said he’s pleased with the progress his team has made during the season.

“Our team is progressing just how we expect them to toward the end of the season,” Collins said. “Our athletes have been working very hard throughout the year and they are starting to see that work pay off. Our wrestlers have really responded to our mindset training and are really embracing the journey.”

“Right now the guys are wrestling with a lot of confidence and it really shows in their competitions,” Collins added. “They have bought into the ‘4 Mindset Principles’ and now that if they keep those in the forefront of their minds then they will be successful.”

While small in terms of numbers, Collins said senior leadership has been crucial for the Cougars throughout the season.

“Our four seniors have done a good job of leading our younger wrestlers,” Collins explained. “It has been hard for a couple of them (Jordan Danylchuk and Eric Workman) who have been dealing with injuries all year.”

“Josh Dorsch and Trevor Spridgeon have been able to be in the trenches with the guys and help them through the season. Our captains (Dorsch, Danylchuk and Isaiah Bretz) have done a good job of keeping the guys focused on the task at hand.”

Collins also noted that a lot of underclassman have made great strides from last year to this season.

“Our sophomore class has improved greatly from last year to this year,” Collins said. “Last year they all struggled with the jump to varsity from eighth graders. The lumps that they took are what has made them into what they are today.”

“Some of them have also found the optimal weight class to wrestle compared to last year, including Ben Lange (126), Ryan Pratt (152), Malachi Battle (160) and Dale Hammons (170). Junior Lloyd Eutsler 195 could also fit into this group because his first year of wrestling was last year.”

The Cougars will travel to Bath on Thursday, then will head to Celina on Tuesday, February 13. Van Wert High School will host the WBL tournament on February 17, then will begin OHSAA sectional action the following week.