Hessler perseveres to get 100 wins

CALEDONIA – Devin Hessler believes there is more to wrestling than just wins and losses.

"Not a lot of people can wrestle because you have to have mental toughness," said the River Valley High School junior. "If you don't have it, you are not made for the sport.

"Also, not a lot of people mess with me."

Hessler, the son of Kim and James Hessler, does know the importance of victories.

He recently chalked up career win number 100 at River Valley's Bender Duals.

"Not many do that in their junior year," said Hessler, a 145-pounder who is the 25th grappler at his school to nab 100 career triumphs. "To be in the top 25 wrestlers at River Valley is pretty cool."

Hessler got to 100 the tough way.

He wrestled only one year, when he was in the first grade, with River Valley's Mini-Vikes program. He came back to wrestling when he was in the sixth grade but did not fare well.

"I probably lost close to 50 matches that year," he chuckled.

Hessler, however, said he benefited from that season.

"It was an experience thing," he said. "My parents put me in advanced stuff and I was wrestling good wrestlers. I learned from my mistakes."

Hessler now totals 107 wins for his career heading into this weekend's Division II sectional meet at Whitehall-Yearling High School.

Hessler has improved in a hurry, said River Valley head coach Mark McGuire.

"He thought as a freshman he would be a state champion, but he wasn't," McGuire said. "He has made big strides since then."

Hessler gained win number 100 with a forfeit victory at the Duals. Frustrated with that situation, he then wrestled an exhibition match and won it by pin, and he scored another pin in his next match to solidify the 100 milestone.

"I'd rather have had someone push me to get to 100," he admitted. "Actually winning against somebody felt better."

Hessler had little trouble remembering what has been his best win thus far, along with his first win.

"I was down in the third period in the championship match in the sectional last year and I pulled it out in double overtime to get first place," he said.

"My first win came after my first tournament at Olentangy where I did not win a match. It was in the Marion County Meet, and I was pretty excited because my birthday was the weekend before.

"It was a late birthday present."

dmcphers@nncogannett.com

740-375-5158

Twitter: @starsportsdenny

VIDEO ONLINE

To watch Devin Hessler in action, see a video at www.marionstar.com.