Teays Valley senior Joey Thurston returns to the state wrestling championships after having won a district championship at heavyweight last Saturday at Hilliard Darby High School.
Thurston (34-7) is scheduled to face Uniontown Lake junior Anthony Miller (28-13) in a first-round match on Friday inside Ohio State’s Schottenstein Center.
Question: Where do you feel you are with your approach and technique on the mat compared to last year at this time going into the state tournament?
Answer: I feel more prepared and focused compared to last year. I’ve been training and wrestling harder than ever all year for this year’s state tournament.
Question: Do you feel like you are peaking going into the state tournament with how you have wrestled so far in the postseason?
Answer: I feel like I can still take it up another level and wrestle my best yet at state. I’m excited to wrestle at the Schott for the last time.
Question: Talk to us about your practice and training routine and how it has pushed you to maximize your success under the bright lights?
Answer: My coaches and teammates have been preparing me for big moments like this all season. Every day, I get to wrestle with Assistant coach (Josh) McDanel, future Teays Valley heavyweight Tristian Graham and even two-time state finalist and Nebraska signee Camden McDanel. They give me confidence in my training every day.
Question: What is your goal for the state tournament?
Answer: I want to finally reach the podium and win as many matches as possible, and I feel that if I can keep my composure and stay strong mentally then I will be able to accomplish that.”
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