Sidney wrestler wants more after a season of accomplishments

Despite a season that included 36 wins and a spot in the state tournament, Sidney wrestler Michael Muggli was understandably disappointed by the final results.

Muggli fell agonizingly short of medaling at the state tournament, held last weekend at the CenturyLink Center in Omaha. After winning two of his first three matches at 145 lbs., the Sidney junior was one win away from the Saturday brackets.

That match, against Cory Washburn of Ashland-Greenwood, went into three overtimes before being decided by a single escape point.

"It's been a tough day," Muggli said on Monday. "I've had people coming up to me all day and congratulating me on how well I did. But I don't feel like I did very well."

In the medal match Muggli actually was the agressor throughout much of the encounter, but had difficulty scoring. Even in the final 30-second overtime period, Muggli had Washburn battling defensively.

The match ended shortly after the Sidney grappler nearly earned a two-point takedown. Instead Washburn managed to wriggle free for an escape point to end the match at 2-1.

"I thought I had him on his back," said Muggli of the final moments of the match. "The bottom line is I set a goal for myself and didn't get it done."

While the tournament ended in a disappointing fashion for Muggli, Head Coach John Ganser only had praise for his wrestler. All season long Ganser witnessed how hard Muggli worked to reach his goals. But Ganser was also impressed by how much leadership he showed with his younger teammates.

"He's a darn hard practice wrestler," Ganser said.

With the season over Muggli will continue his work with the Sidney Wrestling Federation.

"I'm still going to wrestle and help the kids in the Federation whenever I can," said Muggli.

Despite suffering a high ankle sprain, Muggli will also compete with the track team this spring. He has been on the varsity track team since he was a freshman.