Mulnix hunting dominance and second state title

TROY MILLS - North-Linn's Logan Mulnix prefers being the hunter as opposed to the hunted.

He was the former when he won a state title as a sophomore. Last year, when he was a state runner-up, he was the latter. This year, he is both.

The top-ranked and undefeated Lynx senior has a target on his back while shooting to reach a new level of dominance in his attempt to cap his career with a second state individual championship.

“What I'm doing differently this year is trying to separate myself,” Mulnix said. “I'm trying to win by large margins every single time. Go out and dominate and make sure no one thinks they can hang with me. I don't want anyone thinking they're in the match with me.”

So far this season, no one has touched Mulnix. He owns a 37-0 record, and has worked to maintain steady effort. That goes for competition, practice and morning weightlifting sessions.

“With him, it's trying to keep level performances instead of peaks and valleys,” North-Linn Coach Brad Bridgewater said. “We've been working a lot on having a consistent performance every time.”

Mulnix, a hammer in the top position who relies on mat wrestling for most of his scoring, was consistently dominant at the Tri-Rivers Conference tournament on Saturday. He scored two pins and then a 14-6 major decision against Maquoketa Valley's Carter Funke in the 138-pound finals for his fourth conference title.

Bridgewater said Mulnix is hard to stop when he applies his talent, especially in big matches.

“He's been doing a good job,” Bridgewater said. “The bigger the match the better the performance is going to be for him. He's one of those kids that thrives on the competition.”

The conference title held more meaning this year. It allowed Mulnix and his brother, Ryan, to join Doug and Kent Streicher (Strawberry Point/Starmont) as the only sets of brothers to each win four TRC championships.

Ryan Mulnix is a volunteer assistant for the Lynx. He has helped his brother develop.

“He's coming in here now to help me and try to get me back on track after falling short last year,” said Logan Mulnix, who dedicated his Class 1A 126-pound state title to his older brother. “We have a good relationship. We've worked out a lot. This year he's really helped me get to where I need to get.”

Sometimes it is a hands-on approach. Bridgewater has recognized the impact of having Mulnix work with his brother.

“I put them in groups together and they act like brothers," Bridgewater said. "They beat the heck out of each other. That's been great.”

A competitive nature also elevates him on the mat. There is one thing he has a stronger passion for than wrestling.

“Winning,” Logan Mulnix said. “No matter what I'm doing I want to be a winner at it. I don't like to lose at anything.”

There is a duality to Mulnix. He has a fun-loving side as well, which shows in his mustache and mullet. He even used a 1970's style headgear for part of the season.

“I have a goofy personality,” Logan Mulnix said. “I like to mess around.”

It's no surprise that settling for second at last year's state tournament didn't set well with him. It was a staggering blow, but he has been determined to avoid that happening again.

“It's always in the back of my mind,” Logan Mulnix said. “Every match I've wrestled this I went out to absolutely dominate kids. I don't take breaks or rest. I try to score as many points possible and win by large margins.

“I'm building big leads in matches and not gassing at the end. I'm finishing them strong.”

Bridgewater said he assumes added motivation has come from last year's disappointment. He doesn't want that same finish either.

“He's really been working hard, doing the right things,” Bridgewater said. “I hope good things happen for him.”

If good things happen, Logan Mulnix can ascend up the ranks of former Lynx wrestlers, chasing four-time state champion Dan LeClere and others. Logan Mulnix ranks among the school's leaders in career wins with 157. He could become its only two-time state champion, joining LeClere as the only multiple state champion and four-time state medalist in school history. Where will he rank after the season?

“You're sitting with some pretty tough company there,” Bridgewater said. “It's to be determined. We'll know in three weeks.”

[gallery columns="2"]