Monroe junior eyes podium in 2nd trip to state tournament

MONROE — Nathan Moser is the type of student-athlete who lets his wrestling do most of the talking.

It’s taken the Monroe High School junior to familiar ground.

“The goal has always been to make it to state and place,” Moser said. “I’ve been wrestling all my life, so it’s something I’ve always wanted to do.”

Moser will make his second trip to the state tournament after placing third at districts. He’s taking a 37-5 record into his 120-pound weight class opening match against Solon junior

Adom Sharpley (36-7) today in Division I.

The state tournament takes place through Sunday at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus.

Moser went 1-2 at state last year, and he said he’s aiming for better results.

“I feel like I just have to let it fly since I’ve already been there,” he said. “Whatever happens, happens. I’ll be happy to go as far as I can.”

Monroe second-year coach Wayne Heitfeld said he isn’t surprised with Moser’s success. Heitfeld has seen Moser flourish since he was a kid’s club wrestler in kindergarten.

“He’s phenomenal and has been fun to watch over the years,” Heitfeld said. “It’s been a blessing coaching him.

“As far as a wrestler, he’s got some of the all-around best shots you can possibly take. He’s good on his feet. He’s just really good defensively.

“You hear the saying all the time — I shoot, I score. When you shoot, I score. That’s just how he is.”

Moser collected his 100th career varsity victory during the district tournament, but you wouldn’t have known that judging by his character.

Wrestling

“Nathan is one of those kids who doesn’t like a lot of recognition,” Heitfeld said. “He’s a real humble guy when it comes to that kind of stuff. He’s one of our leaders obviously in the room.”

According to DubStat’s state ranking, Moser is the state’s 11th-ranked wrestler in the 120-pound class.

“It’s been a fun season. I’ve just been trying to enjoy it at this point,” Moser said. “It’s been going by pretty fast I’d say, so I’m going to enjoy every moment.”

“People definitely know who he is,” Heitfeld added. “I think he’s got a shot. He’s looking forward to stepping up to the plate this weekend.”

AJ FULLAM / CONTRIBUTED Monroe High School junior Nathan Moser makes his second straight trip to the Division I state wrestling tournament this weekend in Columbus.

AJ FULLAM / CONTRIBUTED Nathan Moser (left) defeated Hamilton’s Julius Knowles in the thirdplace bout at last week’s D-I district tournament in Kettering.