Senior Under the Spotlight: Dylan Soule -plainswrestling.com
- Jamie Gustafson
- Dec 17, 2019
- 5 min read
In a time when so many kids are specializing in a single sport, Dylan Soule has has put together an impressive career in three sports. He has a state championship in track as a sophomore on the 1600 meter relay team. Last month he lead Osceola-High Plains to a state title in football. Now he just needs to add wrestling to hit the trifecta. In track, Dylan has qualified for state as a sophomore in the 1600 meter relay and discuss. As a junior, He was third in discuss and 400 meter relay, he also barely missed the 300 meter hurdles finals by one spot.
Football has been another sport Dylan has excelled in. Soule was named MVP of the state championship game after helping lead Osceola High Plains to a state title over Burwell. He ran for 145 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned a blocked punt for a touchdown. On defense, he had 11 tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery. In his senior year he ran for 1,523 yards and 27 touchdowns, he also added a passing touchdown. On defense he accumulated 132 tackles and 2 interception. His junior year he threw for 808 yards, ran for 1089 yards, combined for 30 touchdowns and on defense had 107 tackles. OWH and LJS have not announced their all state teams yet, but Dylan has made Nebraska legendary football writer, Bobby (1000 yard guy) Mills all state football team.
Finally we get to wrestling. Dylan has a career record of 114-44. He is a three time state qualifier. As a sophomore he finished fourth and as a junior he finished third. Wrestling is the only sport he has not reached the top of the podium in. He is looking to change that this year. He is currently ranked #1 at 182 pounds by NEWrestle. He is already off to a good start this year, winning the Conestoga invite and beating Class C #7 Owen Snipes.
Dylan started wrestling in fourth grade for High Plains wrestling club. His biggest influences have been his wrestling coaches, Norm Manstedt, who pushed Soule to who he is now. Also Coaches, Tanner Kuhn, Corby Grouse, Fred Church and Martin Phillips. Soule is going after the season wins and take downs record and is also after the career take downs record. They are a part of his goals this season that also include, getting to 150 wins, getting 150 take downs, not getting pinned, and winning a state championship.
Q: What was it like for you to have that performance in the state championship football game?
A: It was surreal. It was a great way to end my senior year and the Osceola-High Plains Co-Op. I knew I needed to step up after some injuries to some key guys. Our whole team put together a great performance.
Q: What is it like for you competing with the Osceola guys on the football field and now you turn to the mat where you will be competing against each other?
A: Its competition. It's going to be rough. We all have a tight bond. We all get along really well. On the mat though its competition, I have been going back and forth with Kyle Sterup since we will most likely see each other on the mat. Its all in good fun. I love the competition, its fun.
Q: You have qualified for state every year of high school, you have a fourth and third place finish, how much does that motivate you for this season?
A: It's great motivation. Every year I have hit my goals. Last year getting to the semifinals and getting so close is definitely motivation for this year. I have definitely peaked at the right time.
Q: What would be a bigger accomplishment for you? Football or Wrestling championship?
A: Definitely wrestling. I have talked about that with some of the other guys. There is nothing better than to shine in an individual sport. Nothing compares to state wrestling. It was great playing in Memorial stadium, but that doesn't compare to the atmosphere of being down at state wrestling and winning a championship. A wrestling championship would definitely be the best.
Q: What are your plans for college?
A: I want to run Track and Field and pursue a degree in Physical Therapy. I have started looking at a few schools.
Q: Where do you feel like you need to improve the most on the mat?
A: Being on bottom. I don't know what it is, but bottom wrestling has always been the toughest for me. I struggle getting out and fighting from the bottom. Every year I try to focus on one thing, this year I really want to improve on that.
Q: Who do you like to listen to before a match?
A: I like to be in my own head, i know a lot of guys can psych them selves out doing that, but that's where I am comfortable. I like to focus on the task at hand and visualize my matches. I am not a big fan of head phones before a match.
Q: Favorite meal after state?
A: Well as a team we always go to Perkins. When i get home i definitely like sweets, like graham crackers.
There is no doubt on the accomplishments Dylan has already achieved. Not many athletes have won state titles in three sports. Dylan has the opportunity to do it all in the same school year. When asked if he has came down from cloud nine from the state championship game he said "Oh yea, its wrestling season now. Its time to move on and focus on the mat." There is doubt Dylan is driven and goal oriented. He is a humble kid with a good head on his shoulders. It will be fun to follow his senior season.
Comments from the coach.
"Every coach in the state prays for an athlete like Dylan Soule to pass through their program during their lifetime. A special, gifted player that comes along only once in a blue moon, especially in a small school setting. Dylan's last name should be spelled "soul", because he was the heart and soul of the OHP football program, although not in limelight much of the time, grabbing the spotlight and all the headlines. Dylan Soule is a smart, unselfish leader, who accepted any and every role handed to him, and in the end, put the team on his shoulders, leading to a state championship. A true champion in every sense of the word."
After the Cross County game, with the multitude of state wide press people gathered around Keaton VanHousen, Dylan walked by and said "Bobby, you can't imagine what a thrill it is to block for a guy like Keaton, its just a real thrill" What an unselfish kid"
-Bobby (1000 yard guy) Mills.
"Dylan is a very goal oriented person and has high expectations of himself and his teammates. Through wrestling, Dylan has learned to be a good workout partner and his weekly preparation in the practice room shows when he steps on the mat. Dylan models the character that every coach expects, hard work, determination, positive attitude and determination to succeed."
-Norm Manstedt, retired coach of High Plains Community
Comments