Taylor Smith, Sports Editor
On February 8th, local high school grappler Hayden Schafer joined a prestigious list of Eagle Grove wrestlers.
Although his official 100th career win came with an unceremonious forfeit, the 157-pounder was able to celebrate with his family and hometown fans after he defeated South Central Calhoun’s Layth Witte via technical fall for his 101st victory.
“It was special to me and awesome because I got to have my dad in the corner and my mom in the stands,” the junior recalled in a recent sit down with The Eagle. “It was pretty special because it was at home in front of everybody that I’ve known my whole life.”
Schafer’s father Aaron is an assistant coach for Eagle Grove wrestling and a primary reason Hayden has taken such a liking to the sport.
“My dad brought me into wrestling when I was about three,” Schafer said with pride. “It’s always been something that I’ve done. It’s kind of just been part of the family.”
That family tradition helped introduce Hayden to the sizable wrestling community right here in Eagle Grove.
“People show out for you and the community is great,” he remarked. “Everyone is nice here and it’s been an honor to grow up here. I love this town.”
As a sophomore 150-pounder last year, Schafer was able to represent the town he was raised in on Iowa’s biggest high school stage.
“It was a good feeling to wear that “E” on my chest,” he reminisced. “To experience it with my dad was a big thing. It’s a moment that I want to chase again and I want to get back there.”
Although 100 career wins are an accomplishment most high schoolers can only dream about, Schafer is really only concerned with winning his next match.
“I’ve just been thinking about districts and state,” he commented. “It was good to get the 100 wins, but I’ve got bigger goals.”
