Two BGM wrestlers reach the 100-win plateau

      BGM’s Connor Cooling, left, holds his 100 career wins banner and is shown with his coach, Wyatt Bauman, after reaching the milestone at the North Mahaska Duals on Jan. 19. ​​BGM’s Sawyer Callahan, right, holds his 100 career wins banner and is shown with his coach, Wyatt Bauman, after reaching the 100-win milestone on at home during the BGM Duels on Jan. 13.

By ​J.O. Parker
 
        The BGM wrestling program had two wrestlers reach milestones in their careers on the mat last month.
       Senior Connor Cooling reached the 100 win mark at the North Mahaska Duals on Jan. 19. And six days earlier, senior Sawyer Callahan reached the century club at home during the BGM Duals on Jan. 13.
        Sawyer began wrestling in kindergarten and Connor first wrestled in preschool. When asked what they love about the sport, Sawyer said, “I love winning.” Connor added, “The team.”
         When asked what it means to reach the 100-win milestone, Connor said, “It is what I have been working towards since I was a freshman. So a lot.”
           “My 100th win is a big accomplishment,” added Sawyer.
         Sawyer currently holds a 32-7 record while Connor holds a 36-10 record. Even though both wrestlers have never reached state in high school, they competed numerous times at state through AAU wrestling and have spent hours on the mat to reach this milestone.
        "It takes a lot of perseverance to reach these types of accomplishments,” said BGM Wrestling Coach Wyatt Bauman. “Fighting through injury and things outside of their control is a difficult task to complete. I am proud of the time and effort that have not only given me throughout these last four years, but I know that their parents, fans, and most importantly their teammates are just as excited for them."