Sports

Athlete Spotlight: Dunedin High Wrestler Finds Reward in Hard Work

Mike Hogan qualifies for state wrestling championships to be held in Lakeland on Feb. 18 and 19.

Name and age: Mike Hogan, 18

Sport: wrestling

Class: Senior

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Weight class: 171 pounds

Key to awesomeness: Mike Hogan is one of four Dunedin High School wrestlers who qualified for state finals held in Lakeland on Feb. 18 and 19. Hogan placed third in his weight class at regionals.

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When did you start wrestling?

“Sophomore year. I thought I’d be good at it because I’m strong and athletic.”

What’s your favorite part of the sport?

“Winning tough matches … and just winning. It’s an exciting sport and it’s hard, and everything that’s hard is rewarding.”

What do you consider your career highlight?

“Winning the PCAC season districts. … Because I wanted to prove I was the best in the county. And not only did I win, I dominated, and that was just the beginning of going into regionals and states.”

What’s the hardest part of your sport?

“The conditioning. Your body is telling your mind to stop and you gotta keep going and be mentally strong.”

What gets you pumped before a match?

“I usually listen to music (rap, metal and rock), and [I also] usually think about beating my opponent.”


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