Alburnett’s Paul takes steps toward state title run

ALBURNETT - Bryce Paul is determined to take one more step than a year ago.

The Alburnett state runner-up is focused on making daily strides in his attempt to reach the top level of the state tournament awards podium.

'You can't focus on it too much,” the junior 152-pounder said. 'Every day you have to make goals and complete those each day. Then, you will be able to complete the big goal, which is that state championship.”

Paul's first post-season step will be taken Saturday when Class 1A and 2A wrestlers across the state compete in sectional tournaments, beginning at noon. Paul and the top-ranked Pirates will compete at a sectional hosted by North-Linn in Troy Mills.

Paul made his state tournament debut as a sophomore and pinned his way to the 145-pound finals. He gained knowledge and confidence that he could compete at that level.

'It's a big learning experience wrestling in front of all those people,” Paul said. 'It's the biggest stage I've ever wrestling on my whole life. It's crazy, but it's just another match, though.”

The season opened with Paul atop The Predicament's individual rankings. He suffered some setbacks, but hasn't lost since the holiday break, improving to 37-3 after his Tri-Rivers Conference title.

'He took a couple losses early in the season that knocked him down in the rankings,” Alburnett Coach Kane Thompson said. 'I think that actually lit more of a fire under him. Ever since then he's really taken off. He's more confident than in the past.”

None of the losses came against 1A competition, but it still opened his eyes to what needed to be addressed with his wrestling. They are tucked into the back of his mind as he tries to peak for the most important time of the season.

'It's disappointing when it happens, but I look back on it now and realize I wasn't wrestling to my potential,” Paul said. 'I wasn't taking shots like I need to, so it's helped me as the season has gone on.”

Emphasis was placed on fine-tuning technique. Paul has focused on expanding his attacks, countering opponents' attempts to slow him down by tying him up.

'I like working in space,” Paul said. 'Coaches have worked with me to wrestle more hands on. It's helped me a lot.”

'I've improved on top. Instead of just riding on top I work for the fall all the time.”

Thompson said Paul remains the levelheaded strong competitor, even though he has adapted his style.

'He's always been emotionally in check,” Thompson said. 'He's not an emotional guy. He's a pinner. He smells blood and gets after it. That hasn't changed one bit.”

The Pirates are looking to return to state championship form. Last year, they matched Paul's runner-up performance with second in the team race. Alburnett swept dual and traditional titles in 2013.

The Pirates have six ranked wrestlers, including top-ranked Hunter Washburn (132) and Conner Shulista (145). Ben Moyer (113) and Austin Hoyle (170) are ranked eighth and Robbie Carrothers is ninth at 220.

'We are a lot closer team right now that we have been in a while,” Thompson said. 'They are really coming together. For the traditional tournament, we do have that firepower to make some noise and compete for a title.”

Other area 1A hosts include BGM, English Valleys, North Cedar and Postville. No. 5 Lisbon will wrestle at Stanwood and eighth-ranked Highland will travel to North English.

The top two individuals at each weight advance to district Saturday, Feb. 14. The top two teams at each sectional advance to regional duals Tuesday, Feb. 10.

CLASS 2A SECTIONAL HOSTS

Top-ranked Union Community is among four 2A area teams hosting 2A sectional tournaments.

The Knights will welcome BCLUW, Center Point-Urbana, East Marshall, Gladbrook-Reinbeck and Vinton-Shellsburg.

Benton Community will host Clear Creek Amana, Grinnell, Mid-Prairie, South Tama and Williamsburg at Van Horne.

Anamosa, Dubuque Wahlert Dyersville Beckman, Monticello and Mount Vernon will compete in a sectional at West Delaware in Manchester.

North Fayette Valley hosts Crestwood, Decorah, Independence, Oelwein and Waukon.

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