young male adult

Wrestling to Win

It’s a long road to a win a state championship, especially when you start all over with a new team. Josh Trumble transferred from Platteview to Millard South as a junior, joining his younger brother Isaac on the varsity wrestling team. He felt welcomed right away. “You come in with open arms and people just accept you for who you are.” However, Josh immediately noticed the difference in expectations. “It’s a winning culture. They always talk about winning. A big thing for me was making the shift from wrestling defensively (trying not to lose) and now I’m wrestling to win. Changing your mindset is a huge thing.”

Although Josh went 0-2 in his first tournament for Millard South, he later became an Individual State Medalist (sixth place) his junior year. At that state tournament, Josh and Isaac actually wrestled right beside each other. They finished their matches at the same time and the refs raised their hands as winners at the same time. More recently in the 2019 state tournament, Josh finished in third place for his senior year. Millard South won both the State Team Championship and State Duals Championship this year, and Josh is excited to receive his championship ring.

Coach Joe Ellenberger believes Josh is a “vocal leader that gives max effort on the mat, in the weight room, and in the practice room. He is the kind of guy that would give his shirt off his back if his teammate needed it. He shows class in victory and defeat, as well as great sportsmanship that is often times lost in this generation.”

Josh has focused on his academics as well as wrestling, and after graduation, he plans to major in psychology or criminal justice. “I’d like to be a police officer because I’d like to give back to the community,” he said. He’d also like to come back to the wrestling room some day and be able to give back to the wrestling team like some of the former wrestling champions have done for him. According to Ellenberger, “Josh’s work ethic, ability to overcome adversity, and attitude will carry him far in life.”

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