Alburnett starts championship quest all over

ALBURNETT - Kane Thompson faced a dilemma.

As he prepared the Alburnett wrestling room the day before the start of official practice, he debated about displaying a large poster commemorating last year's state championship finish that was donated by a group from The Marines. He was grateful for the gift but he wanted the Pirates to focus on the future, instead of gazing at reminders of the past.

"It means a lot, but I don't want the current team, which has a lot of kids in that picture, to dwell on what happened last year, and to think it happened last year, I was a part of it (and) that's good enough," Thompson said. "We've got to make sure we're hungry for another run at it."

The Pirates will move back to square one with hopes of finishing No. 1 again as teams get ready for the beginning of the 2013-14 prep wrestling season. Competition opens Monday, Dec. 2 for all classes across the state.Alburnett earned the first state wrestling titles in school history, sweeping the Class 1A traditional and duals crowns in February.

Thompson's message has been received and complacency should not be an issue.

"The biggest thing is it is a new season," Senior Dylan Windfield said. "What we did last year was great, but push it out of your mind. You can't repeat. You have to go after a (new) title."

Thompson shared the goals to the program's fans at "Purple and Gold Night" to kick-off the season. He was brutally honest and didn't shy away from declaring more title aspirations.

"We let them know this is what we're chasing down," said Thompson, praising the community's support and rising expectations."

This is what we're doing and they're always behind us.

"Each season brings new challenges. Teams and wrestlers make strides in the offseason, forcing the leaders to progress or fall back to the pack."

"Nothing is the same from year-to-year," Alburnett two-time state champ Hunter Washburn said. "You can't stay the same. You always have to push and get better.

"A strong nucleus returns from last season's squad, including five state medalists and six with state tournament experience. Washburn and Winfield, who won the 2013 160-pound state title, are the most accomplished. Senior Zach Fowler placed third at 106 last year, sophomore Conner Shulista (138) was fourth and senior Jacob Koch finished eighth at 126. Sophomore Jordan Henderson also qualified for the state tournament.

This group has a chance to make the season twice as nice, attempting to double the Pirates' championship haul. The staff has encouraged this team to put an unforgettable stamp on the program.

"Our whole theme this year is what type of legacy is the 2013-14 team going to leave," Thompson said. "Are you going to ride the coat tails of the 2012-13 team or are you going to make your own mark?"

The success has not been an overnight process. Alburnett was 10th in 2009, placing third in the 1A traditional state tournament three straight years and winning last year. The Pirates have made three consecutive state duals appearances, placing fourth in 2011 before capturing the 2013 title. The journey started many years earlier, working hard as far back as elementary school.

"It didn't start one year ago," Washburn said. "It starts when you're young, growing up and doing workouts, even extra workouts."

Camaraderie and chemistry has been a major factor to what the Pirates have achieved. They can be found bonding away from the sport, joking around, having fun and catching a bite to eat after weigh-ins. Unity makes an impact on the mat.

"I think it's really important," Washburn said. "You care more about your teammates and it makes you want to push in the last period or overtime for extra success to help your team that much more. It's just because you care about each other."

Alburnett returns nine starters from a 32-1 team. All of them owned a .500-record or better, including seven with 38 or more wins. The experienced wrestlers are meshing with some talented freshmen on a 21-man roster.

"It's a pretty tough team," Windfield said. "I think we'll be similar to last year. We have some tough kids."We're still looking for gold. We set our goals high and we'll do what we can."

Just like last year all over again.