Champions
Seybold, Bennett win wrestling gold Rieck named Coach of the Year
For the first time in the 32-year history of the Pittsburg High School wrestling program, one Dragon wrestler has two state titles and another is the first to join his brother as a state champion. Oh, and their coach is the best in the state. Not a bad way to end the season. Seniors Aaron Seybold (145 lbs) and Broc Bennett (285 lbs) both won state gold this year, and Coach Scott Rieck was named Class 4A Wrestling Coach of the Year. Seybold’s champion-
ship comes one year after he won the Class 5A state championship at 135 pounds. Bennett’s gold matches that of his brother Beau, who won a class 5A title in 2010. For both wrestlers, winning the state title was always the ultimate goal. “When I ended the season last year, I did so on top,” Seybold said. “I wasn’t going to let anyone knock me off. I wanted to end my high school career on top, and that’s what I did.
I’m very proud of that.” Bennett said matching his brother’s accomplishment was a dream-come-true. “I could see how proud he felt after winning his title, and I wanted to experience that feeling,” Bennett said. “That it happened in the same year that Aaron got another one makes it that much sweeter.” Rieck said his Coach of the Year honor should serve as a reflection of the talent and dedication of the athletes and all that they achieved
this year, particularly the seniors. “(The seniors) ended up with seven state medals, three firstplace medals, four final appearances,” Rieck said. “Plus, they contributed to two SEK championships, one regional championship, a regional runner-up, two top 5 finishes in the state. They finished the race real well and in the big picture, that’s how you’ve got to look at it. “I am very proud of our team, and I’m excited to come back next year and see what we’ve got.”