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David-Brian Whisler Howland | Wrestling
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This season was about redemption for Howland’s David-Brian Whisler.
After struggling with his weight last year, the Howland senior wrestler captured the Valley’s only state wrestling title in at 170 pounds in Division II.
Whisler made his dream come true in his third try at the state meet.
Whisler could only think about one thing after he won.
“Finally,” Whisler said. “It’s almost like a relief feeling because since I was little I’ve been putting hours in for that match.”
Whisler will attend the University of Maryland and join the wrestling team there.
The weight classes are different in college and Whisler will wrestle at either 174 or 184.
“I wouldn’t mind either,” Whisler said. “Whatever they [the coaches] think is best for me. But if I do go 184, I will have to get a little bit bigger.”
Whisler is also unsure if he will jump into the program right away or redshirt next season.
“My coach at Maryland, his philosophy is the best guy wrestles,” Whisler said. “Say if you’re struggling and you have to get a little bit bigger then they’ll just redshirt you a year.”
While Whisler is undecided on a major, he has always believed the Big Ten is where he wanted to be.
“My goal was to wrestle Division I in college,” Whisler said. “I wanted that big school feel.”
Besides winning a state title, Whisler believes this season he grew as a leader.
“A lot of kids on my team look up to me,” Whisler said. “It’s big for me to help them out.”
While moving on to a bigger stage next season Whisler enjoyed his high school career at Howland.
“Wrestling at the Howland Invitational was always a fun part of the year,” Whisler said. “There is just a lot of stuff I’m going to miss.”