After his freshman year, Nolan Schmeckenbecher knew he had to make some changes in his wrestling career. He had a 7-13 record his first year and improved to 14-15 the following season.

Still, there was plenty to work on.

“I started to feel confident about my wrestling ability around sophomore year, coming off a bad start in my freshman year,” reflected Schmeckenbecher. “I knew I had to start to make some mental and physical changes, wrestling and lifting with Club 329 all year around really helped my confidence and started to cement a winner’s mentality in my head.”

Two years later, Schmeckenbecher has watched his efforts pay dividends.

He will enter the upcoming District 11 tournament with an overall 20-7 record with nine falls at 145 and 152 pounds. Last season, Schmeckenbecher posted a 22-10 overall mark.

Head coach Tim Cunningham has watched his wrestler make the adjustments to his career.

“Nolan has been on varsity all four years and learned a lot his first two years when he was wrestling some of the toughest kids on the other teams taking his lumps,” noted Cunningham.

“But he was selfless and it paid off the last two years. He has become a 20-match winner the last two years.”

Schmeckenbecher began wrestling at age five under the tutelage of his father Shane, who wrestled at Towanda High School. His father has been a steady, guiding force.

“My father wrestled in high school and wanted to carry that passion throughout my childhood,” noted Schmeckenbecher. “My father has undoubtedly had the biggest impact on my life inside the wrestling room, his constant reassurance, determination to see me succeed, and love for me and the sport has transformed me into the wrestler and man I am today.”

Schmeckenbecher has worked to climb over a major hurdle.

“I had to work to overcome my mental state,” stressed Schmeckenbecher. “I have always had great anxiety before matches and or tournaments that has ultimately affected my performance, Coach Cunningham has helped me a great amount with mindset and I am now on the right path.”

He also has been helped with consistent support from his teammates.

“My team isn’t truly a team ... it’s a family,” said Schmeckenbecher. “Being able to walk into the room everyday knowing that I have my teammates by my side is game changing, and something I will always remember and cherish.

“Due to this wrestling family, my own wrestling skills have improved because of my teammates and coaches constantly pushing me to be the best because all they want to do is see me succeed.”