March 29, 2024

Hungry for more

Swank motivated for next season

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DES MOINES — Creston/Orient-Macksburg junior Mitchel Swank was left a bit battered by this year’s state tournament.

A gash opened up in one of his matches above his right eye. During his final two matches at state, he had to wear a wrap around his head to keep the gash from bleeding.

But the ups and downs of this year’s state meet at Wells Fargo Arena has Swank motivated to come back stronger than ever.

Swank placed fifth in Class 2A at 145 pounds.

He finishes his season with a 53-10 record.

“Next year I’m going to be on top of the podium,” Swank said. “I’m not satisfied.”

“It’s going to happen.”

Swank reached the semifinals with a first-period fall over Winterset’s Justin Smith. He bowed out of the front side with a third period fall to Clear Lake’s Ryan Leisure. Leisure, an Iowa State recruit for wrestling, went on to win his third state title Friday.

Swank fell in the consolation semifinal 9-2 to Wahlert, Dubuque’s Boone McDermott 9-2.

Swank’s season ended with a 6-3 decision win over Washington’s Austin Hazelett.

Swank plans on writing a better chapter to his state tournament story next season.

“That’s not the result I wanted,” said Swank.”It’s never going to happen again.”

He credited this year’s senior with invaluable leadership and guidance.

Swank will need it next season as the team’s unquestioned leader coming in. Swank is the only state qualifier and only state placewinner back for the Panthers.

“They’re my idols,” Swank said. “Everything they do, I want to do. How hard they work, I want to work. Everything they do — it’s my goal.”

Swank knows the road to redemption starts soon.

“I’ll do some more summer training, take my diet serious, go full on out in the room.

“It will be whole ‘nother story.”

Also on Friday, two Panthers bowed out in the second round of consolations, one win short of medaling.

Senior Trevor Marlin was pinned by Camanche’s Nate Thoms in the first period at 138 points. Marlin’s season ends at 43-13.

Senior Cody Tanner was eliminated from the tournament by a second-period fall to Sioux Center’s Elijah Van’t Hof. Tanner’s season ends at 32-13.