Gopher goalsU of M wrestlers share techniques at Rolling Thunder camp

By JEREMY BEHNKE

Journal Sports Writer

NEW ULM -- New Ulm High School freshman-to-be wrestler Neal Wenninger was all eyes and ears as he attentively watched Minnesota Gopher wrestlers Damion Hahn and Josh McLay demonstrate various techniques and strategies Friday as the New Ulm Rolling Thunder held its second wrestling camp at the New Ulm Middle school.

"I love the Gophers and I love wrestling," Wenninger said. "I'm real excited to be here with them because they're excellent wrestlers. I really want to learn more and get better with my skills."

Believe it or not, Hahn and McLay were in the same situation years ago as Wenninger finds himself in today.

"It's kind of amazing, you know. They were at my spot at one time too, and they worked theirselves up," Wenninger said. "Damion Hahn was a national champ this past year. It's really exciting to work with them because you know you're going to learn a lot."

Hahn, a fifth-year senior, is the defending national champion in the 197-pound weight class. Hahn's main purpose for coming to New Ulm and helping out the young wrestlers was simple: He wanted to give back to the wrestling community after he learned so much from it growing up and he too, remembers when he was on the opposite end of the spectrum.

"We've put so much time into the sport -- we've taken so much from the sport, this is a good way to give some of it back," Hahn said. "I love working with kids and it's great when we get to go all over the country and do this. I started just like these guys and I'd do the same thing [go to technique camps]. And now, it seems like yesterday that I was here."

Hahn's teammate McLay is entering his junior year and second year of varsity experience. McLay also sees the chance of helping the youngsters out in a positive way. He said he'd like to teach the sport he loves so much to younger athletes for a living someday.

"When I'm done with college, I want to coach," McLay said. "It's a chance for me to learn how to coach anyway, and it's helping me [as much] as it's helping them."

Hahn knows about the hard work and all the dedication it takes to be a wrestler. He pointed out that this group of kids could be out enjoying the summer, but instead chose to improve their skills and work hard for the two-day camp.

"They could be down there playing baseball or hanging out with their friends, but when you got kids hanging out in a gym and they're wrestling, that's just awesome for our sport," he said.

About 35 wrestlers ranging from third grade to high school attended the camp, hailing from teams such as New Ulm, River Valley, Gibbon-Fairfax-Winthrop and Hutchinson. One of the camp's Co-Directors, Ken Cihak, said that the experience alone is worth it.

"I think the big thing is not only bring in bringing in more Gopher wrestlers, but it gives our kids an opportunity to spent some time on the mat. They obviously know that Damion Hahn is a national champ, and I think with the younger kids, they see that figure and they realize that he's just a regular person just like we are."

Hahn said that no matter how big and strong you are, it takes something from within to gain the extra advantage over an opponent.

"You can teach wrestling. You can teach techniques. What you can't teach is desire. You got some kids that are in the sport because it gives their parents some time to themselves. They don't want to be there," he said. "Then you got kids here that are having a great time. They're learning and they want to be here. That's the kids that are going to do well."

Wenninger agreed.

"You got to be mentally tough when you're wrestling," he said. "If you're not mentally tough, it's a lot harder."

Wenninger, like all wrestlers, has set his goals high, and he knows that if he continues to work hard both on the mat and in the weight room, they will be attainable.

"My goal this next year is to win conference, and my goal is to win section," he said confidently. "And then I plan on being a place-winner at state."