Detroit Lakes (Minn.) High standout Brent Eidenschink has endured his share of disappointment during his brief wrestling career.
But nothing compares to the last two days at the USA Wrestling tournament at the Fargodome.
Ohio wrestler Ryan Nachtrab defeated Eidenschink 4-3 in the final minute of their second-round Cadet Freestyle match Wednesday to essentially dash Eidenschink's hopes of a national title - again.
Nachtrab also scored a 6-5 victory against Eidenschink in the semifinals of the Cadet Greco-Roman tournament Tuesday.
Nachtrab went on to win the Greco-Roman championship. Eidenschink finished third.
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Eidenschink, who finished second at the Minnesota state tournament last season, could still win the freestyle title if he continues to win and Nachtrab loses a match along the way.
Despite the setbacks, Eidenschink is considered one of the best 215-pounders in the country.
The soon-to-be-junior was ranked the No. 1 high school sophomore by Wrestling USA Magazine earlier this year.
However, his top priority goes beyond superficial national rankings.
Eidenschink is looking to become the first state wrestling champion in Detroit Lakes High history.
"I think he will win state at 215 in Class A this year," said Team Minnesota freestyle coach Ron Sanders, also the head coach at Wabasha High. "And if he doesn't this year, he will the next year."
Eidenschink said a state championship would not just be a major individual accomplishment.
It would be payback for all the coaches and teammates who helped him improve.
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"I feel like all the people who helped me deserve my success, too," Eidenschink said. "I want to be a state champ because I owe it to them."
Tyler Hemmesch, a 215-pound standout from Elk River, Minn., has seen Eidenschink's determination up close.
The duo, both members of Team Minnesota, have squared off five times this year. Eidenschink has won every match.
"He's a really intense, mean wrestler," Hemmesch said. "He comes at you and he's really aggressive. He's one of the most confident kids I know."
Much of that confidence comes from his past success in athletics.
Besides being an elite wrestler, Eidenschink has been the starting linebacker for the Detroit Lakes football team since eighth grade.
The Lakers are perennially one of the top teams in Class 4A.
"I use the same approach," Eidenschink said. "If a guy wants to be as good as me, he is going to have to prove it."
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Off the mat, however, Eidenschink is quiet, soft-spoken, even a little shy.
But don't mistake the nice-guy demeanor for weakness.
"Anyone and everyone who wants to challenge me can have at it," Eidenschink said.
Readers can reach Forum reporter Heath Hotzler at (701) 241-5562
