Senior Kowen Dighton has been wrestling since the seventh grade. His cousin, who is the same age as him has been wrestling his whole life, which, in turn, made Dighton interested in the sport.

“My cousin was a wrestler, and it was always my dream to compete with him,” Dighton said. “He’s basically  the one who got me into wrestling.”

Dighton began preparing for the season after he finished up with the football season. 

“Me personally, I’ve been just lifting more,” he said. “I know a lot of other wrestlers have been using the mats for practice.”  

Dighton considers himself a good wrestler, but believes there are others better than him.

“I think I’m up there,” he said. “I think Trenton Byers is definitely our best wrestler. Along with Gabe Showers, he’s really good as well.”

Dighton looks forward to every meet, and doesn’t let his nerves get to him.

“I wouldn’t say I’m nervous. I’m excited to wrestle anybody cause it’s just a fun experience,” he said.

Dighton says he doesn’t have a game plan prior to each meet.

“I’m mostly just playing everything by ear unless my coach has a plan for me,” Dighton said. “I have ADD, so my plan would go off the rails right away.”

Fellow wrestler, senior Brice Johnson feels the same way. “Going in without a game plan gives me less to think about, he said.”

Wrestling is a difficult sport, but Dighton has his favorite part.

“Personally, I love pinning my opponent,” he said. “But I guess it’s all up to how you like to humiliate your opponent.”

Dighton is enjoying wrestling for now, but doesn’t see the sport as part of his future.

“I’m just doing it for fun right now,” he said. “I’ve had a few colleges reach out to me, but it’s not something I want to pursue.”

Dighton is currently 5-1 on the season, and will compete at the MAC tomorrow the Council Bluffs Classic.