Highland working on culture in wrestling program

RIVERSIDE - Derek Ball has the Highland Huskies program on a track to success with two state qualifiers this year and four last year. But he wants more.

'It is always good for the program to get kids to the state meet,” Ball said. 'However, as we continue to work on developing a new culture, we have to start putting kids on the medal stand.”

Standing on the podium at the end of the tournament should be a probability for the Huskies going forward. 'We want it to be an expectation,” Ball said. 'You put in the time in this program and you get a medal. As a coach, I plan to hold myself to a higher standard this offseason. Kids will be expected to take steps to improve. We don't have time to spin our wheels. It's time to take another big step forward.”

Bryce Thompson, a junior who finished with an 18-5 record, will be expected to share his experience at state with his teammates to help expand the possibilities.

Thompson won his opening match in Class 1A at 106 pounds in sudden victory, 7-5.

'He did a good job taking control of match,” Ball said. 'He was up 5-1 going into the third period, but made some mental mistakes and the match ended up going to overtime. He did a nice job digging deep and gutting out a win.”

Thompson lost his next match to the eventual third-place finisher 9-3 and lost 15-5 to the eventual sixth-place finisher to end his tourney.

'He learned a lot from the experience,” Ball said. 'I am looking for a good offseason and lots of leadership from Bryce moving forward to his senior year.”

Cael Yeggy, a senior who had a 31-15 record, lost his two matches at state.

'Cael wrestled tough in the opening round, but rolled his ankle,” Ball said.

He ended up losing by fall in 3 minutes, 18 seconds.

'We taped him up and he battled through his second match,” Ball said. Yeggy suffered a 16-6 loss in his second match.

Although Yeggy went 0-2, it was at state and an accomplishment to end his three-year wrestling career in Des Moines.

'Cael has been a great leader and has improved a ton in his short time in the program,” Ball said.