Pirates stay Sharp Through Winter Disruptions

By Coach Haskovec 

While most students cheer when winter weather cancels school, for wrestlers, it’s a  different story.  

In January, weather-related cancellations are common, but for athletes preparing for  meets, these interruptions are more than just a day off—they’re a test of discipline. When  school is canceled, so is practice. And unlike many other sports, wrestling competition often  remains on schedule. That means wrestlers must still make weight—without the benefit of  sweating it out in the wrestling room alongside their teammates.  

For those who have never wrestled, that may sound simple. It’s anything but.  Maintaining weight under those circumstances demands an added level of mental toughness.  High school athletes must quickly adapt, stay disciplined, and find ways to prepare on their  own.  

The Hudson Pirates met that challenge head-on.  

With no competition for seven days and no practice on Wednesday or Friday, the  Pirates had to stay sharp and focused individually as they prepared for Saturday’s tournament  at North Tama.  

They rose to the occasion.  

Tournament Results – North Tama  

Seniors Blake Taylor and Carter Ites each captured individual titles, with Taylor winning  at 175 pounds and Ites claiming the 215-pound championship for the second consecutive year.  Rylan Fogt earned a third-place finish at 126 pounds.  

Additional placewinners included:  

• 120 – Mason Fogt, 4th  

• 126 – Rylan Fogt, 3rd  

• 132 – Gavin Fish, 5th  

• 150 – Aaden Myhr, 5th  

• 157 – Cohen Warnell, 6th  

• 165 – Ivan Martinez, 6th  

• 285 – Alston Loeb, 5th  

Freshmen Carter Weide (144) and Brady Greiman (138) narrowly missed the podium but  continue to gain valuable experience. Camdyn Budde (190) and Miguel Gomez (285) also came  up just short. It was great to see Gomez back in action for the first time this season.  Senior Night Sweep  

On Monday, the Pirates celebrated Senior Night with a strong performance at home  during Retro Night. Hudson defeated BCLUW-SH 54-23 and Wapsie Valley 63-12 in front of a  supportive home crowd.  

The night was a meaningful one, not just for the wins but for the seniors and their  families. As a coach, teacher, and fellow senior parent, I’ve had a unique and personal  perspective on this group. I’m proud of their growth—and while the end of the season is near,  our journey isn’t over yet.  

Winners on the Night:  

Justin Gavigan, Miguel Gomez, Gavin Fish, Mason Fogt, Alston Loeb, Carter Ites, Ivan  Martinez, Rylan Fogt, Carter Weide, Brady Greiman, Cohen Warnell, Aaden Myhr, Camdyn  Budde, and Blake Taylor.  

It was a fun night—but now, it’s back to work.  

These duals and tournaments are our dress rehearsals for the postseason. The Pirates  are focused and ready to keep building as we head into the final stretch.  Go Pirates, Coach Haskovec