Columbus? Keller takes second place as a junior

In his second trip to the state tournament, Columbus? Josh Keller?s hard work paid off in the form of a state tournament championship berth.

Keller, a junior, ended up falling by a 6-3 decision in the state finals at 106 pounds, but still came home with a second place medal, and will be even hungrier next season.

?I feel like I wrestled pretty well, and I?ve stepped it up every day I?ve been out here and every match I?ve been out here,? Keller said. ?Overall I think I wrestled well. Putting in all that work and falling a little short makes it the most  disappointing. I can look back at it and it will motivate me for next year.?

Keller, who earned fifth place in the same weight class last season, picked up all of his points by escape in his final match, as he wrapped up the season with a 43-4 record.

?He had a great tournament and wrestled as hard as he could,? Columbus head coach Bill Plein said. ?I?m extremely proud of him, and I?m extremely proud of the fact that he got here from putting all the work that was required of him and asked of him. He?s a huge success because of his work ethic and I can?t be more proud of him.?

That work ethic is what Keller is hoping to utilize heading into next season.

?I just know that working last year all that time got me here,? Keller said. ?If I can work harder, it will get me to the top.?

Keller won his first match on Thursday by a pin fall, before a 7-1 decision advanced him to Friday night?s semifinals.

Keller, who came into the tournament ranked No. 4, took a 4-2 decision over New Hampton?s Noah Fye (ranked No. 3 in the state) in the semifinals, before falling in the finals.

Next year, Keller has his sights set on a state title.

?I just know that working last year all that time got me here,? Keller said. ?If I can work harder, it will get me to the top.?