Senior wrestler Kody Kaimann knew he had to do what he could to help keep the streak alive. Elder has had a wrestler qualify for the state tournament in Columbus for forty-one straight seasons and it was in jeopardy. Last year, as the COVID19 pandemic’s impact was just beginning to be felt across the nation, five had qualified for the trip when the plug was pulled on all high school athletics just days before the state tournament. He had been narrowly defeated in the first round and had to wrestle and defeat the same wrestler to qualify this year. Win or go home.

Kody wrestles in the 138 pound weight class and has a record of 21-13 in his final year as a senior wrestler and captain for the Panthers. His captain video from earlier in the season can be seen here.

In that video, he mentioned the goal of making it to state. In this follow-up, he has some great insights as to his thought processes from the exciting action last weekend.

“Forty years on the line. I’m the last one left. I really want this. I’ve worked really hard for it and now that I’ve achieved this, it’s the best feeling I’ve ever had. All the days where I’ve had two-a-days, you know, going up to Dayton to wrestle, going all over the place just to get a practice in, get some better people to whoop on me, forced to do those practices.”

“I just went out there and did what I do.”

“Representing Elder, there’s just nothing like it, we’re all a family. I just feel honored to be given this chance because last year nobody did.”

This year Kody will be the only representative from Elder at the State Wrestling Tournament upcoming this weekend.

Hear what he has to say about going to the state tournament.

WATCH HERE: