The best high school wrestlers often share a characteristic: they’re never satisfied with their work.
Count Orting High School’s Drew Templeman among the grappling perfectionists.
Templeman has compiled a 76-2 record and claimed two state titles in his two-plus seasons on the mat for the Cardinals. But you’ll never see him boast, gloat or award himself an “A” for his efforts. He’s too busy nitpicking over a missed takedown, a failed escape or a potential pin.
“In my book, a win isn’t always a win,” said Templeman, a 125-pound junior who took up wrestling as a third-grader in Tacoma. “If you beat someone and you wrestle a sloppy, technically unsound match, then that’s nothing to be proud of.”
Templeman is one of eight returning state placers for Orting, which is seeking its third consecutive state title under eighth-year coach Mike Sowards. The Cardinals are off to an auspicious start after winning the 14-team White River Classic and finishing third at the 18-team Spud Walley Invitational in Sedro-Woolley.
“We like going against the bigger schools and the tougher kids,” said Sowards, whose Cardinals are the top-ranked team in the state, according to WashingtonWrestling Report.com. “We’ve got a lot of kids who put a lot of time in this sport and they want to be challenged.”
Along with Templeman, ranked No. 1 at 125 pounds in the state by WashingtonWrestlingReport.com, the Cardinals are led by senior co-captains Nikko Veltri (152) and Antonio Brown (130) and senior Dakota Stiles (103). Veltri won an individual state title last season, while Brown has placed second the past two years. Stiles was third last season.
Templeman is one of the team’s hardest workers. He runs and does core work in the mornings and lifts weights for 30 to 40 minutes after school before heading to his regular practice. The extra cardiovascular workouts make it easy for him to make weight.
“I could probably be wrestling at 119 like I did last year but I hate cutting (weight),” Templeman said. “I feel better and get more out of practice when something’s in my belly.”
Templeman, who fashioned a 35-1 record as a freshman, went 36-1 last season and has triumphed in all five of his matches this year – doesn’t shy away from talk of winning four state titles. It’s a feat that’s been accomplished seven times in Washington, most recently by Sedro-Woolley’s Derek Garcia and Republic’s Ryn Rollins last season.
“Oh yeah, I think about that,” said Templeman, who acknowledges that injury, illness or a formidable opponent could snuff out his streak. “It’s a big part of my motivation. Once you win one (title), you want to win the rest.”
Veltri, Orting’s other defending state champ, has been on a roll since dropping a consolation semifinal match at the Tri-State tourney last season.
“Nikko lacked self-confidence against the better kids, but that match was one he knows he should have won,” Sowards said. “After that, everything just clicked for him. He got mentally tougher and there was no stopping him.”
Veltri, who’ being recruited by Canada’s Simon Fraser, Southern Oregon and Dickinson State in North Dakota, went 36-4 last season and is off to a 7-0 start this season.
He’s not as fortunate as Templeman when it comes to making weight. Breakfast might consist of cereal, wheat toast and orange juice. And dinner?
“Turkey breast on a bagel,” Veltri said. “And water.”
No wonder Orting hungers for a third straight state title.
blog.thenewstribune.com/preps
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.