Lightest Weight Champion Has Biggest Task Ahead

Coming into the sectionals this past weekend at , Archer's lightweight , 103-pound weight class, knew that it would not be easy to come out as a No. 1 seed. Especially with Valdosta's Darshawn Sharp waiting in the finals. "He's the best I've wrestled," Millhof said. "I took him a little too lightly." That is rare for Millhof because he knows on any given day a mistake here or a mistake there and you can be beat.

Millhof rallied and scored on a reversal late in the third round to win the match 5-4 and remain undefeated on the year at 49-0. Millhof is nationally ranked. And depending on who you ask, it could be anywhere from 15th to 12th. Some have him as the 3rd best freshman in the country.

Millhof has been wrestling since he was 4-years old and feels his mat experience is what is carrying him into the state tournament. "Most of the time a freshman comes in and wrestles other freshman in the 103-pound weight class," Millhof explained. "But (Sharp) was good. That's the best wrestler I've wrestled."

His Coach Tom Beuglas, who came over from Parkview, knew that he would have a young program but could build the program around Millhof.  "He's special," Beuglas said. "I knew it would take a lot of work (for the rest of the team) but working with him has been a pleasure." Assistant coach Kyle McKee also felt like Millhof would help make their job easier so they can work with the rest of the team more and get them ready. "We don't have to work with him as much," McKee said. "It makes our job easier."

Millhof, who many consider a coach at practice, has helped some of the others improve on their skills. He slightly injured his leg during his finals match but said it would be okay and he'll be ready for the state meet this weekend. "You just have to suck it up and go with it," he said.

Millhof will take on Northview's Wes Lemons in the first round of the state tournament and should he continue his winning ways, will get a rematch with Sharp on Saturday for the 103-pound state title.

For his efforts, Ryan Millhof is our Athlete of the Week.