SPORTS

Everest senior no longer unknown wrestler

Tim Johnson
USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
D.C. Everest's Nathan White entered the week with a 20-3 record this season.

WESTON - Nathan White went from being a relatively unknown wrestler to one of the top-ranked wrestlers in his weight class in less than a year.

The run for the D.C. Everest 170-pounder began in late 2015 with a strong showing in the Bi-State Classic in La Crosse and resulted in a notable final month of his junior season in which he won a Wisconsin Valley Conference championship and reached the Division 1 semifinals in his first appearance in the WIAA state individual tournament in Madison, finishing fourth overall.

As White returns to the tournament trail this year, he is ranked No. 3 in Division 1 at 170 pounds by wiwrestling.com. On Feb. 11, White and fellow Everest wrestlers Sam Stroik (195) and Berkley Corvino (220) won their individual weight classes at the Division 1 Merrill regional, advancing to the Feb. 18 individual sectional at River Falls.

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“Back when he was a freshman you could see (White) was going to be pretty good. How good? That always remains to be seen,” Everest coach Eric Lehrke said. “He does a lot of things well (as a wrestler), and he doesn’t make a lot of mistakes. He doesn’t really beat himself.

“He stays in good position (on the mat) and always has a good outlook and attack during the match. Some (wrestlers) will panic, but he doesn’t,” Lehrke said. “You are going to have to beat him. He is not going to put himself in a position to make things easy for you.”

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White recently sat down with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to talk about what he accomplished last season, his strong start to this season and his wrestling career overall.

Talk about being no longer an unknown wrestler, with the run you had last year and the ranking this season.

It feels way different. I wasn't ranked until late in the year (last season) and there definitely is a lot more pressure this year (in each match) and to not lose.

Do you like that pressure?

Yes and no. Yes, because it means that you are someone. But, no, because it's sometimes it's hard to be the way other people see you (as a wrestler).

Nathan White, right, also was a defensive back for the Everest football team.

You lost to the eventual state champion in the semifinals last year but what was that state run like for you?

It was crazy at the beginning with the two overtime matches I had; both were like 8-6 (scores) and really emotional. Losing to the state champion in the semifinals wasn't too bad because he's really good and wrestling for third place wasn't too bad either.

Where do you think you made the biggest jump last year or what led to that run?

I ended up taking fourth at Bi-State last year when there was about 50-some wrestlers in my weight class. From that point, I knew I could run with some of the best guys. It definitely propelled me forward and and my coaches definitely had me peaking at the right time last year.

What would you say your strength is as a wrestler. What is your biggest asset?

Years of experience. I have been in (wrestling) since kindergarten. I feel I know most of the moves and what to do in a given situation. It's just practicing them and getting the right mindset and everything.

Who has been the biggest influence on your wrestling career?

Probably my dad (Bill) and my brother (Nolan). My dad always kind of pushed me toward wrestling and I enjoyed it. My brother is two years older than me, and he always wrestled, too.

What is the biggest thing you have gained from the sport?

Toughness and just the will to overcome anything that's in your way. That and responsibility because you're dedicated to making weight and going to practice every day. It's a grueling practice but you are dedicated to push through that. Then you always have to be accountable.

Tim Johnson: 715-845-0731, or timothy.johnson@gannettwisconsin.com; on Twitter @timmyjo11

NATHAN WHITE

School: D.C. Everest

Year: Senior

Sports: Wrestling, football, golf

Family: Father, Bill; mother, Denise; brother, Nolan

Favorite subject: Physics

Favorite movie: “The Hobbit” series

Most memorable match: My first match at state (last year). It went to overtime and there was a whole range of emotions going on – just being there for the first time and then winning (the match).

Hobbies: Hunting and fishing. I am also in 4-H and have showed (Holstein) cows since back in the third grade.