Tough Pedretti focused on national title

KEARNEY, Neb. - Kyle Pedretti is considered the most mentally tough on the Upper Iowa University wrestling team.

So, if anyone could turn around a frustrating month with a strong performance at the national tournament it's the Peacocks' junior 133-pounder.

After a month suffering through an injury and tough losses, Pedretti will attempt to capture a national title at the NCAA Division II Wrestling Championships, which begin Friday at 11 a.m. the University of Kearney-Nebraska Health and Sports Center.

Pedrettit, a two-time national qualifier who placed third last year, was the preseason No. 1 and held that rank until the start of February. Pedretti (27-8) hadn't lost to a D-II opponent through January, beating then second-ranked Todd Wilcox of Grand Canyon University at the NWCA National Duals in Cedar Falls. He suffered three losses in the last month and finds himself out of the rankings. It has been frustrating but has motivated him in preparing for the final stretch.

"No one likes to lose matches, especially ones you aren't supposed to lose on paper," said Pedretti, a two-time state champion for MFL MarMac High School. "I kind of think it's pushed me a little bit harder down the stretch."

During that stretch, Pedretti has battled a rib injury as well as his foes. He said he has healed and doesn't expect problems this weekend. Upper Iowa Coach Heath Grimm praised Pedretti's resilience, fighting through the pain while sustaining a high work ethic.

"He puts his nose to the grindstone," Grimm said. "He comes with his lunch pail every day. He's going to give it all he's got."

That has been a key part of Pedretti's success. All the training hours and some two-a-day practices fuel his goal to be the best. Pedretti's sights have been focused on only one goal.

"Every single day I go into practice I'm thinking I'm working to be a national champion right now," said Pedretti, one of seven qualifiers for the 12th-ranked Peacocks. "I'm not working to get back on the podium. I'm looking to be on the top."

Grimm said the 133 bracket is a highly competitive field. Pedretti opens with Limestone's No. 8 Michael Magaha (24-10), who is also a returning All-American. Pedretti beat Magaha, 8-4, at last year's national tournament. The tough prefer tough challenges.

"He wants to be considered the best," Grimm said. "That's part of his motivation. he knows that weight class can be had. he feels he's put together a pretty solid season. ... He definitely has his sights set on winning a title."