During his high school career, Austin Wilson established himself as one of the best wrestlers in Nebraska history. The St. Cecilia graduate, who now is a redshirt freshman wrestling for the Nebraska Huskers, still holds all-class records for most wins in a career (180) and most consecutive wins (144). He also was a three-time Class C state champion. In 2011, the former Bluehawk placed second at National High School Coaches Association Senior National Wrestling Championships.
But in Wilson's first year wrestling with the Huskers, he quickly found out that he wasn't the only one on the team with such talent and accolades.
"When I was a freshman last year, just in the practice room, everyone in there is some of the best in the country ... including the coaching staff," Wilson said. "I took my lumps and my beatings the first year, but the big thing is just staying positive and working hard. You're going to keep getting better, even if you're getting beat in the beginning. You have to keep working hard and you'll get better and soon you'll be the one giving out the beating, instead of taking one."
And that's exactly what Wilson did. He changed his style and got better on his feet, and now, with a record of 16-6 and his team ranked No. 17 in the nation, Wilson is starting to hand out the beatings.
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