Two years ago, Har-Ber wrestling was fun and games. One year ago, Har-Ber wrestling started competing. And this season, Har-Ber wrestling is vying for state championships.

This all under second-year head coach Nika West, who has brought an attitude of winning, and winning big now.

“Coach West has come in and wants to build a championship team, and that’s exactly what he’s done,” said senior wrestler Garrett Comer, who competes in the 160 lb. weight class.

As a freshman, Comer wrestled at the 130 lbs. weight class, but has learned a lot since then.

“Back then, I’d get lucky and win, and pin a guy here and there,” said Comer, “basically just winging it.”

But these past two years, Comer and the rest of the wrestling team have learned exactly what it takes to win.

“You have to go out there and perform,” said Comer. “And then that’s when people know we’re capable of doing great things.”

And that’s just what Har-Ber wrestling has done this season. They’ve put themselves on the map and opened peoples’ eyes.

As well as their great individual performances on the mats, Har-Ber is first a team. And that team has managed to stay undefeated in the state of Arkansas.

Back in December, the Wildcats wrestled a former nationally ranked opponent, Seneca (Mo.) at the NWA Duals to give them even more experience for preceding events.

Along with several other tournaments along the way, Har-Ber has managed to stay on the winning side throughout Arkansas.

“I’m proud that we won, but we honestly could have done better,” said senior 113 lbs. wrestler Dylan Collins. “We just have to learn not to give up points in certain places.”

As for the most recent tournament, Har-Ber wrestled Springdale and Heritage, at Springdale High School.

“We really wrestled well, and we showed Springdale and Heritage who the better team was,” said senior 170 lbs. wrestler Luke Hanson.

Har-Ber wrestles Millington, Tennessee on Friday, Jan. 20.

“I’m not sure what kind of talent they have, but I have seen this team in the past, and they have some tough kids in most of their weight classes,” said head coach Nika West.

The Wildcats wrestle them for the first time.