2020 Custer County All Area Team Indians
Faulkenberry looks to repeat as a state champion for the
BROKEN BOW - Last season, everything did not go as planned for Casey Faulkenberry in the beginning. A broken collarbone threatened his season and chances at the state tournament. Instead of getting upset about the injury, Faulkenberry led his team a different way with encouragement from the sidelines.
“I spent the good part of the season out with a broken collar bone,” Faulkenberry said. “Last season I was trying to be the best teammate that I could. I really tried to push others to be their very best.”
Luckily for Faulkenberry, he was healed up by the time districts came around. At districts, he ended up finishing 2nd to Chris Williams of Valentine. Little did both of them know they would be facing each other on the biggest stage in a little over a week.
At the State Meet, Faulkenberry proved that his previous injury was a non-issue now, with a major decision win and a pin to get to the finals at Class C126.
Once again, he met up with Williams from Valentine. This time he returned the favor and knocked off the two-time state champ 8-2.
“He had beaten me twice previously,” Faulkenberry said. Not to make excuses, but the first time he beat me was my first or second match back from my injury. Being able to beat him finally at the end of the season was a great feeling.”
Heading into his senior year, the three-time state medalist is focused on his team more than himself. He wants to keep building on the momentum Broken Bow made last year, so that they can be even better this season.
“I think for me one of my biggest goals is to be a good leader for everyone,” Faulkenberry said. “If we can all come together we can accomplish a bunch of great things this year. The closer we get the more we push each other and the better we will do overall as a team.”
Individually, Faulkenberry looks to pick up where he left off last year. He will rely on his toughness like he always has to get him to his main goal of winning a second state title.
“They know every time they wrestle me they are going to get a tough match,” Faulkenberry said. “I wrestle tough and don’t give up right away.”
He also hopes to be able to complete this entire season, with COVID-19 beginning to surge in the area and across the country
Faulkenberry will get his first opportunity to compete this season at home on Dec. 3 in a duel with Arcadia-Loup City and Wood River.
After high school, Faulkenberry does not plan on continuing to wrestle. He will be attending Southeast Community College in Milford.