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Hardman rested, ready

Norwood state titlist determined to repeat

By Scott Stocker, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published November 28, 2007 at 12:45 a.m.

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Hugh Hardman likes the idea that wrestling at Norwood is somewhat of a family affair.

After all, his father, Dirk, is the head coach, his uncle, Bob Harris, is the assistant and teammate Seth Gabardi is his cousin.

Hardman, a junior, beat Fowler's Chris Holzworth 10-8 in overtime last season to win the Class 2A 140-pound state title and complete the season with a 37-1 record. He finished fourth at 125 as a freshman, losing to Dustin Weitzel of Dolores.

"I love it," said Hardman, who begins the season with a 75-8 career record. "Dad does not put the pressure on me - he just wants to make sure I'm prepared. My uncle is on the mat with me a lot, and that gives Dad the opportunity to spend more time with the others."

Hardman also is excited that this could be a very successful season at Norwood. The Mavericks welcome two key newcomers - 189-pound state champion Stryker Lane from Nucla and former Norwood resident Bill Forney, who has returned after living in California.

"I think we're going to be pretty tough this season," said Hardman, who plans to begin the season at 145 pounds. "I want to come out and prove that I deserved to win state last year. From there, my goals are to try and do well at a national level.

"I tore my (anterior cruciate ligament) at state freestyle last year, so recovering was not fun," said Hardman, who has Arizona State and Nebraska as his top college choices. "I didn't go out for football so I could be ready for wrestling. I'm healthy and I think I've matured mentally as well as physically."

Hardman is more than pleased that Lane has transferred from Nucla. Together, that gives Norwood two of the state's three returning 2A champions. The other is Drew Ritchey of Wray, who won at 103 pounds last season with a 33- 1 record.

"Stryker has a completely different style than mine, and we have really been working on our various techniques," Hardman said. "He will miss the first half of the season because of the transfer (rule), but that will give him the chance to whip up on me and the others in the wrestling room."

The thoughts of a great season bring a smile to coach Hardman's face. He believes the Mavericks can be a top-10 team this season.

"I'm certainly proud of Hugh," Hardman said. "He works harder than anyone in the room. And, in a way, pretty much coaches himself now. He has gone to other wrestling camps, has placed at the Fargo Nationals and has seen some fine, overall competition. Heck, it's just kind of neat, and I'm excited about this season, too."

Trevor Ragsdale is the team's lone senior and was a state qualifier last season at 160. The two key additions also have the coach charged.

"Having Stryker certainly is a plus, and it was good to see Bill return to Norwood," coach Hardman said. "He was a solid wrestler in the middle school before he moved. We also have some good freshmen coming in and a couple of sophomores who have a chance to do well."