Mike Webber

This year has brought some changes to the Albert Lea High School wrestling team.

Thursday, January 24, 2002

This year has brought some changes to the Albert Lea High School wrestling team.

A young squad, the Tigers are focusing on improvement in their younger wrestlers. One of those wrestlers, sophomore Adam Elseth, is a little ahead of schedule. He’s undefeated entering tonight’s home dual meet against Austin.

&uot;I was always told how much potential I had, and I couldn’t find it,&uot; said Elseth. &uot;This year I’ve gone out and gave it all I got, and now I found that potential that I was told about.&uot;

This is a step up from last season, where at this point Elseth believes he had approximately four losses. He’s also gone up two weight classes, meaning tougher competition. But Elseth was ready, saying he knew the competition was tougher, so he began to work harder in practice.

&uot;At practice I work hard and focus on what I need to, and also make sure I keep my weight down,&uot; said Elseth.

Elseth’s performance has got people’s attention, especially Tigers head coach Larry Goodnature.

&uot;Adam has had a terrific year,&uot; said Goodnature, &uot;Adam has all the ingredients to be a good wrestler. He has power, speed, great balance, mental toughness. And he has good work ethics.&uot;

Goodnature believes if Elseth keeps up the hard work and does what he needs to, Elseth could compete at state and perhaps place there as well.

According to Goodnature, one of Elseth’s strengths is simply his style of wrestling.

&uot;Adam is really good on his feet, and usually works on offense while he’s on his feet,&uot; said Goodnature, &uot;You’re better off having your opponent’s feet than your opponent having your feet.&uot;

That little fact is something Elseth keeps in mind while he’s on the mat ready to lock it up.

Elseth has his own way of preparing for his matches.

&uot;I usually get myself focused by listening to some music to set me in the mood,&uot; he said. &uot;When I get out there, I then look at what I believe is the best approach to win.&uot;

It seems to be effective up to this point.