Hard work pays dividends for Linn-Mar’s Shea Hartzler

CEDAR RAPIDS — Linn-Mar's Shea Hartzler has devoted the time.

The second-ranked 160-pound senior worked extra during weekends, spent time after practice and even trained with additional coaches.

Hartzler was motivated by the expected challenge that awaits in the Class 3A district meet Saturday at Cedar Rapids Jefferson. He will compete in a bracket that includes Cedar Rapids Kennedy's third-ranked Ben Sarasin and the J-Hawks' No. 4 Tavian Rashed.

'It has really pushed me to prepare myself so much better than I ever would have,' Hartzler said. 'I've been putting in a lot of extra hours.

'It's made me a better wrestler, knowing I'm going to have some good solid competition.'

Hartzler is a three-time state qualifier with a 153-26 career record, placing third last season. After the state tournament, he immediately turned his attention to this season.

The exception was the fall when he earned all-district football honors. Hartzler (38-3) suffered a bit of a slow start, but hasn't lost since early December, dropping a close match to Sarasin at the Five Seasons Duals. He avenged that setback and has been driven to be at his best.

'I've been scrambling and scrambling to catch up,' Hartzler said. 'Even though I got back one of the losses that I had. I have still been working like I was still behind everybody. It's paying off.'

The emphasis has been on the neutral position and his mental approach. He has worked with former Linn-Mar wrestlers, Joel and Toby Northrup, to increase his takedowns. He has become more cerebral as well.

'My mentality on my feet has gotten a lot better,' Hartzler said. 'I've been working hard with my club coach on mental preparation. My mental toughness and ability to see the match play out while I get short bursts in has gotten better.'

Hartzler defeated Rashed in the finals of the Mississippi Valley Conference Super Meet at the end of January. Rashed and Sarasin split two matches two weeks ago. The key is to focus and get into a rhythm.

'I have to stay physically tough (and) strong,' Hartzler said. 'I have to stay smart and wrestle as hard as I possibly can.'

The top two finishers at each weight advance to the state tournament Feb. 18-20 at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.

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