Ranked Wrestlers

John McConkey

John McConkey

Dawson Walter and Carter Cox

 

Junior John McConkey is a 285 pound wrestler and one of 5 returning state placers. McConkey placed 8th at the state tournament last year and is currently ranked 5th. We talked to McConkey about being ranked and he said “it’s pretty cool but it doesn’t mean anything because it’s just someone’s opinion.” To stay ranked, McConkey said he must do his best against his biggest opponents Creston and Glenwood. McConkey also said his biggest influence on his wrestling career is head coach Tim Duff, “He teaches us a lot not only how to be a good wrestler but to be a good man.”

Sophomore Chase McLaren who is Atlantic’s 126 pounder. McLaren has been wrestling since he was 5 years old. McLaren made it to state last year but did not place. One thing he is looking forward to the most this year is “going out there and competing with a very solid team.” McLaren said his biggest challenge will be “Jared Hensley from Bedford” even though Hensley isn’t in the same weight class. McLaren says there is a chance he may move up to 126. His favorite wrestling partner is Carter Cox because “he teaches me new things and we always push each other to get better.”

Junior Kole Hansen who placed 5th at state in the 106 pound weight class last year goes into this year as Atlantic’s 113 pounder and is ranked 3rd. Hansen said that he is looking towards the state tournament so he can improve on how he did last year. Hansen also says he is looking forward to the banquet. Hansen says the best feeling is when “you win a tournament and knowing that all of the hard work you put in is paying off.” Hansen will also be looking to follow the steps of Zac Stork and Cater Cox and reach his 100th win the year.

Senior Zac Stork is Atlantic’s 195 pounder and is ranked 2nd this year in 2A. Stork finished 8th at 182 pound last year and is “looking to improve and be on top of the stand this year.” Stork made it into the 100 win club last year as a junior and plans on extending that number. Stork said placing at state was “exciting and probably the best moment of my high school career.” His favorite part about wrestling is “the feeling after a win.” Stork said his favorite memory of wrestling was winning a district title.  After Stork graduates he will continue his wrestling career at Grand View University to pre-engineering and become a Viking.

Senior Drake Roller is ranked 8th this year at 170 pounds. Roller did not made it to the State tournament last year, but says that he will “wrestle to his full potential” to make it to state. Roller described the team’s relationship as “ A platoon full of sons and guns.” Roller has been in wrestling since he was young, he says he loves “ embracing the grind with my teammate.” Roller said the person that motivates him the most is Coach Tim Duff, because “he teaches us how to be men instead of boys and he is always being motivational as well as always keeping us to strive and get better.”

Carter Cox is ranked 1st this year. Cox placed 2nd at state last year in the 113 pound class. Cox said that making it to the finals in last year’s State wrestling tournament was “a dream come true.” Cox enjoys practicing with Mclaren and Hansen because “they are great wrestlers” and “we all teach each other new things and push one another harder to get us where we are today.” Cox said “ Coach Duff and my brother (Dillon Cox) have had the biggest impact on me, always pushing me and getting me to do better things than they did.”