Howard's wrestling success stays ahead of growing body

Associated Press/Don Frazier

Jackson's 125-pound junior Brock Howard brings a 21-1 record into today's double-dual meet at Central High School.By Jeremy Joffray ~ Southeast Missourian

Like any typical student, Jackson junior Brock Howard has grown a couple of inches and put on a couple of pounds over his two-and-a-half years of high school.

Unlike most students, Howard performs in a sport that makes rigid demands on a person's weight. But even as Howard has slowly climbed through the weight classes, his performance level has continued to rise.

Jackson coach Steve Wachter said while Howard's move up the weight classes is not unusual for a high school wrestler, his continued success says a lot about what type of wrestler he is.

"It's a tribute to how hard he works," Wachter said. "His work ethic is outstanding."

Howard, wrestling at 125 pounds, started his high school wrestling career at 103, a weight class he performed well enough in to earn sixth place at the state championships as a freshman.

Howard competed at 112 pounds his sophomore year and excelled once again. Although Jackson as a team slipped a bit at the state tournament, Howard improved and took fifth place.

The 2002-2003 wrestling season has seen yet another weight class change for Howard. But like his previous two seasons, Howard has continued to excel, posting a 21-1 record coming into today's double-dual with Central, Dexter and Poplar Bluff at Central High School.

Howard said much of his current success comes from having a good wrestling partner and a lot of hard work.

"Me and my partner go hard, we run in the morning," he said. "All the coaches are always pushing us."

Wachter said a key to Howard's continued success has been his strength gain.

"He's been able to keep his strength up with his weight gain," he said.

Howard agreed. "Definitely, as the weight goes up strength plays a pretty big part," he said.

While Howard hopes to turn his hard work into a state championship, team success is just as important.

"As a team we'd like to win conference, win district and qualify as many wrestlers to state as we can," Howard said.

Howard's success isn't limited to the mat. Along with two top-six finishes at the state tournament, Howard has also has made two all-academic state teams as well.

Wachter said Howard's intelligence has really helped him as a wrestler.

"Being a good student doesn't hurt him any on the mat," he said.

jjoffray@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 171