Ozark’s Brock Sundlie feels the sense of urgency that a fulfilling senior season most often calls for.
“There's a little more excitement this year,” Sundlie said. “It’s my last year, I want to leave it all out on the mat. I think I'll let loose a lot more and not hold back. I want to be more aggressive. I want to force my will and not let others force theirs.
“No fear this year,” he added. “I’ve got to do something. I want to stay healthy and dominate the season.”
Sundlie is well aware the aggression he hopes to maintain in the first period of matches and the second and third periods, as well, requires exceptional conditioning. To that end, he feels he’s preparing himself well in practices to have the stamina needed to gain the upper hand on opponents late in matches.
“We've been working hard. I feel really good about my condition,” he said. “We run in the mornings. We work hard enough in the (practice) room that we wouldn't even have to run in the mornings. But we do it to get that edge — we can be the most aggressive people on the mat and push the pace.”
Ozark coach Tod Sundlie is looking forward to seeing Brock be strong physically and mentally for a full nine minutes.
“He has a gift when it comes to always being in great shape. He's had that working for him,” Tod said. “He needs to combine that with the mindset of staying on the attack and moving forward. That’s what Brock needs to tap into more.
“When it gets down to the end and you're wrestling the best in the state, everyone is in great shape,” he added. “It takes a little bit more. He's going to have to combine his mental focus, technique and his motor. It will all have to come together for him in those big matches.”
A 160-pouder who was 23-11 last year, Sundlie is chasing after what would be his first State medal. He’s qualified for State each of the past two seasons.
A hernia injury hindered him late last season.
“It was difficult, but no excuses. I didn't perform at State,” Sundlie said. "I’m happy to be healthy this year. I’m excited for a healthy season.”
With the Missouri State High Schools Activities Association adopting new weight classes, Sundlie will likely be at either 157 or 165 this winter.
He hopes his summer success that included winning a 160 tournament at a Mizzou camp carries over to this season. Ozark will be at the Dan Gable Donnybrook Tournament in Coralville, Iowa, this weekend.
“I felt good about my technique at the Mizzou camp,” Sundlie said. “I got beat there a couple times, but those kids had to leave so I was disappointed I didn't see them in the tournament. I didn't wrestle any of buddies from other schools around here. There were a lot of kids from out of state.”
Ozark won the team championship at the same camp, only heightening expectations for what could be a banner campaign for the veteran Tigers.
“We've got a good room all-around,” Sundlie said. “We don't want to be cocky. But we feel good.”
