Rylan Samuelson works his way towards another state finals appearance on Thursday at the Fargodome. (Photo by Mojo Hill)
FARGO — A year after a memorable celebration in the semifinals, Rylan Samuelson was all business this time.
In last year’s state tournament, Samuelson was one of three Devils Lake wrestlers to make the finals. He achieved the feat as a sophomore.
Now, Samuelson is an upperclassman. The two other finalists have since graduated.
This isn’t new territory for him anymore.
“It was the goal all year to get back there,” Samuelson said. “It’s always just give yourself another shot at being a state champion. And that was just on my mind all year, that match, just to get back into it.”
Samuelson came one match short of ultimate glory last year. His accomplishment was a noble one in itself — he got to be individually announced in the Fargodome, and to run out under the spotlight.
But it ended in disappointment.
“That finals loss definitely fueled me,” Samuelson said. “Definitely pushed myself to improve to improve in all aspects of my wrestling, both mentally and physically. And I think it was just a great way to motivate yourself.”
So, Samuelson entered this state tournament with a whole new attitude. He was serious, yet comfortable. Throughout three victories on Thursday, there was no sense of satisfaction — not yet, anyway.
“That’s a testament to him and how far he’s come,” Devils Lake head coach Brendon Flynn said. “Obviously, the first time we get there is exciting, and now it’s about business. But it’s still super exciting to get a kid back to where he wants to be. And it’s fun for him, because he puts in the work. So you’re super excited for him, and now it’s just one step closer to getting what he wants.”
Samuelson entered the tournament seeded No. 2 in the 121 weight class. He won by technical fall in the first round, 16-0, before notching a pin at 3:59 in an otherwise-close quarterfinal match.
The bracket lined him up with West Fargo Sheyenne’s Jack Clemenson, the No. 3 seed, in the final.
This was a familiar opponent. Samuelson beat Clemenson by a 7-3 decision in the EDC championship last weekend.
“I faced him at EDC finals, and I didn’t wrestle how I wanted to,” Samuelson said. “I gave up a takedown that I shouldn’t probably have. And I went back home, straight into the film, and just kind of picked apart his wrestling.”
Whatever Samuelson noticed in the film study, it paid off.
Thursday’s matchup was not nearly as tight. Samuelson won by technical fall, 16-0. He had a 7-0 lead by the end of the first period and a 13-0 lead by the end of the second. He came up with a takedown at 4:49 to secure the win.
He stood calmly, accepting his victory. He raised an arm, then promptly departed the mat.
“Part of it’s I’ve been here before, and I’ve done it before. I’ve made the finals,” Samuelson said. “And it’s just my expectation, how I expect myself to compete and perform.”
Samuelson maintained his standard of excellence. Now he wants to go all the way and finish what he started.
“He’s super gritty,” Flynn said. “And he just doesn’t want to lose. That’s kind of what separates him. He’s made up his mind that he’s not going to lose. And he’s tough to beat.”
When the lights shut off inside the Fargodome on Friday, and each finalist gets his moment, it won’t be anything Samuelson hasn’t done before.
“I’m going to be used to it,” he said. “Definitely not as amazed by being in that moment. And I’m definitely going to have my plan. I’m going to stick to it.”
His opponent will be Dickinson’s Jake Glaser, the No. 1 seed.
Samuelson is aiming to become the first Devils Lake state wrestling champion since Brock Davidson in 2010.
The previous one before that?
Coach Flynn, back in 2004.
“We’re due,” Flynn said with a smile.
