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Alburnett freshman Owen Henriksen has developed a different mentality than when the season started three months ago.
"I really learned to love the fight," Henriksen said. "I've learned to just embrace the toughness of the match and just know when that guy steps out there, he wants to win just as bad as I do and go scrap."
Henriksen proved he came to battle, winning his first two matches at the Class 1A boys' state wrestling tournament Wednesday at Wells Fargo Arena. He was one of seven quarterfinalists that helped the Pirates to second place with 44 ½ points, 14 back of Don Bosco, after Day 1.
No. 11 Henriksen pinned West Hancock's Ozzy Smith in 1:42 and followed with an 11-9 decision over Earlham's No. 6 Max Millage.
"I feel like I put myself in a really good spot to make the semis," Henriksen said. "I'm confident going into my quarterfinal match.
"I got to my offense really good in those first two matches. I feel fast on my feet."
Henriksen admitted he was hampered by cutting weight and dealt with self-pity. The cure was as simple as just sucking it up and dealing with the hard times. It's created more good times.
"I just didn't really feel like myself," Henriksen said. "I was feeling bad for myself. I had a pretty tough weight cut and realized that it's bigger than how I'm feeling. It's about the team as well. I stopped feeling sorry for myself and got better."
Alburnett Coach Clayton Rush has witnessed the big strides in a short time period. Henriksen reached a different level once he broke the mental barrier, resulting in 42 victories through Thursday.
"There was a hurdle there and he got past it," Rush said. "Now, you're seeing an Owen Henriksen that can compete with just about anybody. He can wrestle."
Henriksen is stepping into the shoes of three-time medalist, two-time finalist and 2024 120 state champion Rowdy Neighbor, who is the No. 2 seed at 126. Neighbor, and the rest of the seniors, have been key in the evolution of Henriksen and other young talents.
Henriksen trains directly with Neighbor, which has helped his conditioning.
"He never stops moving no matter what," Henriksen said. "He's always constantly rolling around and moving. Whenever I wrestle him, it's a great learning experience and when I drill with him, he just teaches me a pace of never quit, keep going."
Henriksen and Neighbor were joined in the quarterfinals by teammates Atlee Dewitt (113), No. 2 Preston Klostermann (138), Reece Klostermann (150), top-seeded 175-pounder Shayden Washburn and Eaghan Fleshman at 215.
"You want to be perfect (but) lost a couple guys on the top side that you think you could have a little semifinal run," Rush said. "This is the state tournament. Nothing is given.
"I think our guys are competing hard. That's all you really can do. You compete hard and put yourself in position to win."
Jesup and Lisbon finished the first session in the top 10. The J-Hawks' Cooper Hinz (120) and Kaden Lange at 144 advanced. Hinz thumped Underwood's Ryan Fletcher, 12-1, but said it could have been a better start.
"I don't want to just win," said Hinz, who has placed fifth and fourth his first two years. "I want bonus points every match."
Hinz recently committed to wrestle for the University of Michigan. He can now focus solely on competing with that decision behind him. It comes with some extra supporters, too.
"It's a big relief not having to worry about that," Hinz said. "I have more people behind my back that are from Michigan, now."
Lange upset Alburnett's No. 6 Cooper Franklin, 12-4, helping Jesup to eighth place with 27 ½ points.
Lisbon is just one spot back with 24 ½ points. The Lions boasted four quarterfinalists, including three in the first three weights.
Jack Gogel (106) and 113-pounder Cael Stricker - practice partners - produced upsets. Stricker won by fall and added a technical fall over Lynnville-Sully's No. 8 Jett Kramer.
Gogel outscored his two foes by a combined 36-4, including a 21-4 win over Clayton Ridge's Jesus Lara in the second round.
"I like scoring points," Gogel said. "I work out with some great partners in the room."
Lisbon's Wesley Sadler (120) and two-time state medalist and No. 3 seed Tiernan Boots (150) also advanced.
Cascade's Brock Morris state runner-up last season. He entered the tournament as the No. 3 seed at 132. He opened his title trek with a 12-4 major decision over Fort Dodge St. Edmond's Matthew Crimmins.
"It was OK," Morris said. "Just sticking to stuff, I do every day in practice. Keep working that."
Morris placed fourth as a freshman, missed the podium the following year but earned runner-up honors last season. He realized what he could accomplish here a year ago.
"It definitely showed me what when we think we're at our limits that we're nowhere close to it," Morris said. "It's how we pushed through workouts in summertime and during the wrestling season. It showed me a lot."
West Branch's Ethan Humphrey (106) and Cooper Gates (165) also advanced to the quarterfinals.