Ankeny Fanatic Prep of the Week: Ethan Sodergren, Ankeny Centennial wrestling

Ankeny Centennial’s Ethan Sodergren celebrates after recording a fall against Ankeny’s Harrison Folkers in a 150-pound match during a dual meet on Dec. 11 at Centennial. Sodergren currently boasts an 8-2 record for the Jaguars after going 3-1 in the Dion Cobb Duals on Saturday at Valley. (Photo by Evan Reiter)

Junior Ethan Sodergren went 3-1 for the Ankeny Centennial wrestlers in the Dion Cobb Duals on Saturday at Valley. He is now 8-2 on the season.

Sodergren had two pins and a technical fall on the day. He pinned Clear Creek-Amana’s Robert Hatcher in just 17 seconds at 150 pounds, helping his team to a 39-37 win over the Clippers.

Here is some inside info on Sodergren:

How is the season going thus far?

It has been going well thus far.

What has been the highlight for you?

The highlight for me has been getting back healthy and building our team up.

Have you been happy with the way you’ve wrestled?

I have been pretty happy with how I have wrestled, but there is always room for improvement.

Ankeny Centennial’s Ethan Sodergren works for a takedown against Dowling Catholic’s Jayden Zachary during a 150-pound match in a dual meet on Dec. 18 at Centennial. Sodergren went on to post a 9-8 decision. (Photo by Stephen McDaniel)

Did you have some good practices over the break, and what did you focus the most on?

I have had a lot of good practices over the break, but mostly I’ve been focusing on my conditioning.

What did you think of your team’s performance on Saturday at Valley?

I think we did Ok as a team. We are still working things out and getting better together.

I know your team has had to deal with some injuries to key guys this season. Do you feel like you’re closer to getting everybody healthy now?

We have suffered all year from injuries, but we are building our team slowly back up and I think we are going to be pretty good in these upcoming few weeks. I’m very excited about it.

I know you missed some time on the mat as well. Are you back to 100 percent now?

I missed a few weeks due to a knee injury, but I’m fighting through it. I would say I’m close to 100 percent.

Ankeny Centennial’s Ethan Sodergren controls Collin Frost of Davenport Central during a first-round match at 138 pounds in last year’s Class 3A state tournament in Des Moines. Sodergren posted a 12-6 decision and went on to earn an eighth-place finish as a sophomore. (Photo by Dan Holm)

You’re a two-time state qualifier who placed eighth at 138 a year ago. Do you feel like you have the potential to win a state title this season?

I definitely think I have the potential to win a state title this year or next. I have the partners and everything to do it.

You entered the season with 66 career victories, putting you within reach of the 100-win career mark. Do you think that’s a milestone you could reach this year?

I definitely think I can get my 100 wins this year. I missed a good portion of the season, but I still believe this is achievable. It’s something I look forward to.

Two of your teammates, Cale Vandermark and Max Dhabolt, have signed with or committed to wrestle at Iowa State. Where are you at in the recruiting process?

I’m aware my teammates are committed to Iowa State, and that’s awesome for them. I’ve been talking to a few college coaches, but I’m not for sure what I want to do yet. It’s always been a dream of mine to join the Marine Corps–my dad, brother, and grandfather were all in it.

Max is a defending state champion, and I know you sometimes have to train with him during practice. What’s it like to wrestle him?

The word I would use to describe wrestling Max in practice is “electric”. It’s high pace, and you definitely get the most out of it. I’m very glad I have the practice partners that I do. They push me to be my best.