3/3/2020 State ChampionBy Amber BraniffIn the late hours of the evening on March 22, a high school wrestler made Ogden history. Blake Haub, a senior wrestler at Ogden High School, claimed the title of State Champion in the 220 lb. 1A class. Since then, Haub has been praised by adoring fans in his community. But winning did not come without humble beginnings and hard work.
Haub began his wrestling journey as a fifth grader in middle school with little pressure or expectations from his family. “My dad only did wrestling when he was younger just to kinda get away from chores at home,” he says, “so when he asked me if I wanted to do it, I was just like ‘sure.’” Haub, just like his father, was raised on a family farm, and the grueling chores gave Blake a great strength workout year-round. “That definitely gave me an advantage,” he says. Throughout his career, Haub never participated in any extra wrestling camps or clinics. He only trained with his team here in Ogden. However, this did not stop him from rising above the competition. “You just gotta be aggressive,” he claims, “I just go out there with the mindset: ‘You gotta hurt them before they hurt you.’” This strategy proved to be effective in the 2020 High School Wrestling State Championship for Haub. He excelled through the bracket to meet his last opponent standing between him and sweet victory. And with the match concluding at 4-2, Haub prevailed to receive the title of State Champion. While Haub’s talent alone shines bright, the support of his team and coaches shall not be taken for granted. It is safe to say that the team had a pretty tight bond. “We trusted each other with everything we had. We would all help each other and pump each other up,” Haub proudly states. He also gives credit to his coaches, Jesse Sundell and Scott McCloud for helping him throughout his career and inspiring him to do his best. Haub’s future plans regarding wrestling are not entirely set in stone, but that does not mean he is going to say goodbye to the sport he enjoys. “I could see myself as a potential coach if I stayed around here,” he claims, referring to his local community. Although one journey has ended, another one is about to begin for Blake Haub. And who knows how many he will inspire. Comments are closed.
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