For Two Rivers senior Max Matthias, qualifying for the WIAA State Wrestling Tournament is more than just another trip to Madison; it’s the payoff for months of hard work, perseverance, and a comeback from his major injury this season.
Matthias has been on wrestling’s biggest stage before, but this season presented a new challenge.
Much like his teammate, Angie Bianchi, an elbow injury forced him to step away from the mat and focus on recovery.
“I tore my UCL, and it was just kind of tough,” he said. “I’ve never been injured in my career like that, so just doing the rehab and getting back to practice.”
Competing at the Kohl Center brings a unique atmosphere, bright lights, thousands of fans, and the pressure of the biggest matches of the year.
For Matthias, the key is keeping the moment in perspective.
“You just don’t let the Kohl Center get too big because there’s a lot of people there and a lot of pressure,” he said. “If you stick to it and remember it’s just you and another guy on the mat, you kind of control it like that.”
Max tells SeehaferNews.com that he is trying to enjoy the moment.
“It means a lot, and it just kind of shows your hard work, and it pays off at the end of the year,” Matthias said. “It’s always a fun thing to do, go down there.”
Max made the podium on his previous three trips, but has yet to take home the gold medal.
Now healthy and stronger than ever, Matthias hopes to end his high school career like every senior dreams, standing on top of the podium in Madison and showing how hard work and perseverance pay off.
