Sunday Conversations

Here at Kingfisher High School, the sheer number of outstanding athletes is astounding. KHS boasts alumni such as Curtis Lofton, Jace Sternberger, Matthew Stone, Bijan Cortez, Ian Daugherty, Brady Friesen, Austin Neal, Paula (Mueggenborg) Leffingwell, to name just a few.

From what these expert eyes have seen, that list will continue to grow and one of the brightest stars beginning to shine is Freshman, Casen Chlouber. Casen is a 132 pound wrestler who is also a standout on the baseball field and golf course. He excelled in 7th and 8th grade and has just started to make his mark on the varsity scene.

Over the weekend, Casen placed fourth in the prestigious Hub Center Tournament in Clinton. I had the opportunity to sit down with him and here is what he had to say:

Juan Burgandy: Casen, thanks for giving me a few minutes. I know your fans will appreciate it.

Casen Chlouber: 100%. Anything for my supporters.

JB: That's why you're a fan favorite. Congratulations on placing at the Hub. That's a big deal, what was your mindset going into the weekend?

CC: I was a little sluggish starting out on the first day, but wanted to go out with a bang since it's the last regular season tourney of my junior high career. My Uncle Levi told me about thinking that I was the baddest out there on the mat and then just going out there and executing.

JB: That's great advice. Winning the mental battle is essential in the overall process. A big thing here at the SofaKing is that you either win or you learn. You proved that on Saturday when you avenged your Friday loss to Villines from Weatherford by pin. How did that feel?

CC: It felt great considering I wasn't happy with my performance the first time I faced him. I was a little upset because I saw that I was capable of beating him the first time which ended up giving me a rougher time in the tournament.

JB: This is definitely a tough tournament, and actually you probably saw the best that Western and Southwestern Oklahoma has to offer when it comes to wrestlers. You have regionals and state coming up soon, what did you learn about yourself as far as areas and techniques to work on in preparation for those matches?

CC: I need to work on the bottom position. I didn't feel confident enough in it this tournament to choose it and it could be a mistake later in the year. The competition will be stronger and I could be missing out on scoring opportunities and possibly lose a match.

JB: What sort of preparation do you do to work on improving your techniques? Are you hitting YouTube to watch guys like Kaden Gfeller or Daton Fix?

CC: I do like to watch some of the higher level matches, but I try to focus more on the people in my level to see what I need to learn to counter and maybe even use myself. The guys who took first and second today (Saturday) could be some good people to analyze.

JB: How is the weight management coming along? Is there a meal that you are planning for when the season is over and you can finally enjoy a meal and not worry too much about your weight?

CC: Well, I'm actually on my way to my Uncle Dustin's house right now for one of his award winning steaks but I'm at 132 now and I'm going to drop down to 126 for state. The weight management is just that. You have to really watch what you are eating and how much. You still have to eat to stay strong and keep energy levels up but there's no McDonald's or KitKats on the table. Once State is over though, I will be going to Bubba's in OKC for a ribeye steak and mashed potatoes. It doesn't get better than that for the price.

JB: I've heard great things about that place and need to check it out. Listen, I really appreciate your time, I know your mouth is watering and stomach is growling for Dustin's steak so one more question and I'll let you go. What is the best part about being a wrestler and what is the worst?

CC: The best part has got to be people respecting you on the mat. Knowing that you are good at something and then they try to take it away. The worst has to be the last 30 minutes of practice when my nose is bleeding and I can't find a dry spot on my clothes to wipe my eyes.

JB: Blood, sweat and tears from working hard. I would imagine that you are respected every time you step on the mat. I know you certainly have mine. Casen, again, congratulations on placing this weekend and good luck to you in regionals and state. I appreciate your time.

CC: Anytime and thank you very much.

There you have it, Sofies. Keep an eye on this rising star. He will amaze you with how much he improves from not just year to year but also match to match. He is the epitome of the SofaKing mantra, you either win or you learn.