The feeling of disappointment plastered the minds of an entire Har-Ber wrestling squad in 2010 after a 13th place showing in the state tournament a year ago.  A team, led by three seniors coming into this season, seemed a long shot to even come close to tying their 13th place mark or even exceeding it.

“Practice was a lot more focused and intense [this year],” said junior Ubaldo Marquez.

At the 2011 7A West Conference Tournament held on Feb. 19, Har-Ber came to do more than show up this time.  They came to compete and win.

 Benny Schaeffer, a 9th grader from Central Junior High School, dominated his 103 pound weight class to give Har-Ber a huge edge, passing the day on, into higher weight classes.

Even though Schaeffer was the only first place victory for the Wildcats, Dylan Collins and Garrett Comer picked up second place medals, as well as Luke Hanson and Ty Harrison getting third; setting the pace for Har-Ber as they coasted to a conference runner-up placing.

“It was definitely one of our best showings,” said Hanson.

One week later on Feb. 26, Har-Ber competed in the 7A State Tournament where they placed seventh out of 20 teams.  Moving up six slots compared to last season was definitely on the minds of many of the wrestlers.

“It may not be where we wanted, but it goes to show that we have definitely started being a competitive team and have improved from last year,” said Collins.

Schaffer again placed well, getting state runner-up in his 103 pound weight class.

Hanson, Comer and Ty Kirkland all placed fifth in their respective mid-100 weight classes to also help Har-Ber rise in the overalls.

“We did not have a lot of high finishers, but we had a lot of low medalists which is good,” said Hanson.

Harrison and Senior PJ Mason finished with fifth place medals as well.

“If we keep jumping up like that (six places), we could be in the running to take state [next year]!” said Collins.