The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
New year and a new mindset
Firelands junior Payton Burgdorf eyeing state title after missing out for two years
Losing to CVCA’s Jacob Decatur, a state champion and No. 1-ranked in the nation, is understandable.
But for Firelands junior Payton Burgdorf, losing his next two matches to Louisville’s Garett Lautzenheiser and Vincent Warren’s Peyten Kellar in the state tournament to ultimately finish sixth at 106-pounds in Division II does not sit well with him.
Burgdorf allowed that Decatur loss to fluster him mentally.
That mentality is changing this year.
“Once you get knocked down, you have to look forward to that next match,” Burgdorf said. “That’s what I did wrong last year, because I lost that first match and my head was in the dumps the rest of that tournament.”
Burgdorf wrestled both freestyle and Greco-Roman style in the months after the state tournament, but took a break from wrestling and competed on Firelands’ soccer team.
It was a way for him to mentally take a break so he can be fresh for the start of the season.
Last season leading up to the state tournament went picture perfect. Burgdorf was undefeated, and won Patriot Athletic Conference, sectional and district titles.
Wrestling at 106 pounds last year, Burgdorf will be at 120, a weight he prefers.
“I like it a lot more and I’m cutting a lot less weight this year,” Burgdorf said. “I should be stronger in matches and all around better.”
Head coach Josh Walbom, entering his second season, has fully implemented his impact on the program. He knows he has a stud under his wing in Burgdorf, and wants nothing more than to help him reach his potential.
“He needs to do a better job of managing his weight,” Walbom said. “After Day 2 of the state tournament, there was a noticeable difference in his energy level. We all take responsibility for that.”
Already a two-time state placer and two-time USA Cadet Freestyle National Team member, he’s the greatest Firelands wrestler in history, passing Dick Temple who was a one-time placer in 1960 (fourth).
But there is still more Burgdorf is chasing.
“I want to see him win a state title, but hopefully he wants it even more than I do,” Walbom said. “That’s why we’re here. I want it real bad for him and he’s got to want it real bad for himself.”
Burgdorf struggled last season in neutral positions where he would get in on a single leg but couldn’t finish.
If there is one bone to pick with his technique, that was it. But with a more refined style this season, Burgdorf has risen the bar for himself.
He wants to become the first state champion in school history.
But that won’t happen unless his mindset changes.
“It’s on my mind,” Burgdorf said. “I’ve placed twice and the next thing is the state championship.”