Mingus Union High School’s wrestling team, with a mix of seasoned veterans, newcomers and an up-and-comer mixed in, is using each meet as a building block for when things count most at season’s end.
The Marauders took another step forward with a fifth-place finish at the Verde Duals, held at Camp Verde High School on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1 and 2, their third competition of the year.
“The team is looking really good for the beginning of the season. I’m happy with their progress. We’re trying to work with them on improving their aggression and their confidence,” head coach Klint McKean said. “That’s what I’ve been telling them: This is all in preparation for the sectional and state tournament.”
Three key returners placed in the top five for Mingus.
Leading the way was senior 152-pounder Lucas Svoboda, who went 9-0 on the way to a championship and being named Outstanding Wrestler of the Tournament. Svoboda, who earned his 100th career win on Dec. 1, was a runner-up at last year’s Arizona Interscholastic Association Division III state championships. McKean said he likely has the best double-leg takedown in all of Division III, and will be poised for a state title.
Another senior, Nick Doerksen [160], was runner-up, going 7-2, his best finish in his career. Junior Trent Miller [145], a state qualifier last year, finished fifth.
Junior 138-pounder Michael Thurman has enjoyed a strong start to the season. Thurman was runner-up at the Verde Duals, forfeiting the final match because of a knee injury suffered in the semifinal, which he went on to win via pin. He went 7-2 with six pins.
“He has wrestled better than he has his entire life. This has been his best tournament,” McKean said. “I think he’s our breakout wrestler of the year so far and I hope he really continues, because he’s such a hard worker and it’s starting to pay off.”
As a team, Mingus finished fifth overall, its highest placement since 2012, according to McKean, who returns as head coach after a two-year stint in 2011 and 2012.
Developing confidence and aggressiveness in the newer wrestlers has been the coaching staff’s aim so far. They are timid to shoot, going for takedowns, during matches.
