Simley wrestling: Why stop at three state titles?

Simley's Dan Dick doesn't know any better.

He saw some varsity action on the Spartans wrestling team as an eighth-grader before becoming a full-timer as a freshman. Since then, he has been a part of three consecutive Class 2A state championship teams.

Now a senior on what the Amateur Wrestling News ranks as the sixth-best team in the nation, Dick wants another.

"I don't want to be the senior that didn't get one," said Dick, who entered this past week ranked second at 152 pounds in Class 2A, according to the Guillotine.

The Spartans are in perfect position for their fourth consecutive title with a 28-2 record, having steamrolled into the Class 2A tournament that begins Thursday at Xcel Energy Center.

This year's squad is again highlighted members of the Short family. Sophomore Jake Short, son and grandson of co-coaches Will and Jim Short, respectively, is a defending individual state champion and currently ranks No. 1 in the 140-pound division in 2A.

Younger brother Mack Short, a freshman, won 24 matches for the Spartans this year and is just one example of many pleasant surprises for the coaching staff. Simley lost six seniors from last year's state championship run, including two state champions, two other state place winners, a state entrant and a 28-match winner. Coaches were confident at eight weight classes, but five other wrestlers have jumped right in and filled the holes.

"They've definitely exceeded expectations," Will Short said.

Jake Short, Nick Wanzek (No. 1 at 145 pounds), Juan Torres (No. 1 at 112 pounds) and Kyle Gliva (No. 1 at 103) are four top-ranked sophomores. Junior Micah Barnes is No. 1 at 160 pounds. To put it simply, Simley should be dominant for years.

But for now, the quest for No. 4 remains unfinished business. Kasson-Mantorville, Scott West and Foley are three formidable opponents hoping to take down the wrestling giants from Inver Grove Heights.

"We take nothing for granted," said Will Short, who was an individual state champion in 1988 and 1989. "For us, we have not achieved any goals yet this year. We haven't done what we set out to do and that's win a state title, and until you do that, it's pretty tough to evaluate your season."

For anyone who thinks winning state championships gets old, redundant or boring -- just ask someone that's had a piece of Simley's 27 individual state championships and seven team titles.