3/7/19
As a tenth-grader, Caden Wright had his first taste of competing at the PIAA State Wrestling Championships a year ago.
And, like most wrestlers that get to experience the biggest stage in Pennsylvania for the first time in their careers, Wright was happy just to be there.
He also knows that when he left the Giant Center in Hershey, he also left with unfinished business.
“Last year I was happy to be out there, but I thought I was coming home with a medal and I came up short finishing in the top 12 and one win away,” said Wright. “I should have been top six.”
“This year, I’m coming in ready for redemption from last year and just not worrying about other stuff, just worrying about myself.”
That’s the mindset the Hornets 170-pound junior (25-6) will take with him into today’s action as he competes in the state tournament for the second year in a row as Emmaus’ lone representative.
“He’s more ready than he was last year,” said first year Emmaus coach Thad Smith on Wednesday before departing with Wright for Hershey. “The first time you’re out there I think as a wrestler you are in awe a little of the arena. “The second time it becomes old hat.”
Competing at 160 a year ago, Wright went 1-2 in the tournament, defeating Strath Haven’s John Crawford in his opening-round match 5-0 before falling in the quarterfinals to eventual state runner-up Zach Hartman of Belle Vernon 6-0. Wright was eventually eliminated from the tournament after losing to North Penn’s Patrick O’Neill in the consolation bout 3-1.
“I under performed a bit at states last year because I just got too excited and too physically drained before the tournament,” admitted Wright. “This year I was able to take second at districts and second at regionals and I want that state medal. I want to be top six and I think I’ve prepared myself for this.”
His coach also thinks the experience of being there a year ago will pay off for Wright in his second trip out to ‘Chocolatetown.’
“I think it makes a huge difference,” said Smith. “You don’t go out as nervous the second time and you go out much more relaxed. You know it’s a business trip.”
“The first time you make it I think you are just so happy to make it to states and you’re satisfied. “Once you make it our there, you’re never satisfied unless you come home with hardware.”
Wright will take on Selinsgrove sophomore Coy Bastian, the runner-up from the Northwest region (34-7) in his opening-round match when the tournament gets underway today at 4 p.m. for Class 3A. Bastian is also making his second consecutive appearance at states.
“I like the match-up a lot,” said Wright. “He has lost to kids that I’ve beaten and we’ve beaten the same kids. I’m pretty confident going into the match.”
A win by Wright will advance him into the quarterfinals on Friday at 2 p.m. against likely Canon McMillan junior Gerrit Nijenhuis, the Southwest Region champ. Nijenhuis is 40-3 on the season, the No. 2 seed in the bracket and a favorite to reach the finals along with top-seed Susquehanna Township senior Edmond Ruth who is a perfect 30-0. Both are ranked top 10 in the country according to Intermatwrestle.
Follow Wright’s journey at the state tournament on twitter (@Emmaussports)