That’s were Urbach and five Powell wrestlers traveled Wednesday to compete in the 26th Annual NHSCA High School Nationals, which start Friday and end Sunday.
Three-time state champion Kyle Catlin (145 pounds), two-time champion Chance Karst …
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Four Panther wrestlers, one incoming freshman set to compete
Anyone wondering how Powell High School head wrestling coach Nate Urbach has kept his team at the top of Class 3A for the past four seasons should look no further than Virginia Beach, Va.
That’s were Urbach and five Powell wrestlers traveled Wednesday to compete in the 26th Annual NHSCA High School Nationals, which start Friday and end Sunday.
Three-time state champion Kyle Catlin (145 pounds), two-time champion Chance Karst (132) and 2014 champion Nic Urbach (138) — all juniors — made the trip along with sophomore and sixth-place state finisher Ty Dearcorn (182) and incoming freshman Reece Karst (132).
“It’s a heck of a tournament, and a great opportunity for these kids to go out there and compete,” said Urbach, who coached the Panthers to their fourth straight 3A state championship in February.
While he has sent wrestlers to the tournament in the past, this will be the first time coach Urbach will see the national competition first-hand. The divisions are separated by weight and grade, and should be loaded with the nation’s best grapplers, Urbach said.
“It’s crazy the amount of talent that’s going to be there,” Urbach stated. “There are roughly 27 state champions in Kye Catlin’s bracket alone.”
Urbach is eager to see where his wrestlers stack up against the best the country has to offer, and knows offseason wrestling is just as important as winter wrestling.
“You want to go there and see where they stack up,” Urbach said. “Most of the time ... I don’t worry about keeping them humble ... but I do want to expose them to that next level so they understand there are improvements to be made.
“The evaluation process never ends. Offseason wrestling is absolutely important for getting better.”
Urbach said he’s fortunate to have kids that are hungry for more despite tasting success on multiple occasions through their prep careers.
“That goes hand-in-hand ... those guys are successful for a reason,” Urbach said. “Part of the process of becoming great is to do extra.”