Freshman Max Dhabolt has helped the eighth-ranked Ankeny Centennial wrestling team to a 17-0 record, including a 6-0 mark in the CIML Conference. He has compiled a 22-1 record at 144 pounds.
Ranked fifth at his weight in Class 3A, Dhabolt posted a 13-6 decision over No. 4 Ben Hansen of Ankeny in overtime during a dual meet on Thursday at Centennial. Dhabolt’s win helped the Jaguars to a 42-17 victory.
Here is some inside info on Dhabolt:
Congratulations on the win over Ankeny. How did it feel to get the victory for the seniors on the team who had never defeated the Hawks?
Thank you. Getting that win for the seniors felt great because everyone worked hard for this rivalry (meet) to go out there and to destroy.
Were you confident going into the meet that your team could end the losing streak?
I was very confident that we were going to go win the meet. Our team has been on fire and has been training for meets like that.
You had a big win in overtime against Ben Hansen. Had you ever wrestled him before?
Nope, that was my first time wrestling Ben.
What was your strategy going into the match? And when the match went into overtime, did you feel like you had a lot left in the tank?
My strategy was to go out there and wrestle my match.
What did you think of the atmosphere at the meet? Was it pretty electric?
It was a very nice and loud crowd. I loved it.
Did you expect to come in as a freshman and enjoy the immediate success that you’ve had?
I knew I was going to do very well coming into the season because of my training partners at Sebolt (Wrestling Academy). We drill and wrestle the best there.
What’s been the key for you to succeed at the varsity level?
The key to be ready at the varsity level is to give it your all and go have fun.
Your only loss came to Valley’s JahKari Clark, 5-2, on Dec. 21. What made Clark so difficult to score against?
Losing to JahKari was a tough loss. I think I went out there and respected him too much and didn’t wrestle my match. I barely shot; otherwise, I could have done better.
Did you learn anything from that match?
I learned from that match to stay on my offense and don’t let up at all.
Goals for the rest of the season?
My goals for the rest of the season are to go win state and once I’m done with folkstyle get back right into the room.
