State Wrestling: Gallagher’s perseverance and growth power state tourney run
By BRANDON HURLEY
Sports Editor
DES MOINES – It’s quite the luxury to matchup against one of the state’s best each and everyday. It builds confidence, allows you to envision what exactly it takes to become elite.
A year ago at this time, Brenner Gallagher was a member of the Greene County JV wrestling squad. He wasn’t a poor wrestler by any means, just in need to develop a bit more and establish his confidence.
That’s where second ranked McKinley Robbins came in as the new season began. He brought with him a strong resume of talent and victories, and it just so happens he wrestled near Gallagher’s weight class at 113 pounds. Though Robbins wrestles at 106, he proved to be a valuable practice partner for Gallagher, pushing him to get better each and everyday.
And despite not appearing in any postseason tournament a year ago, Gallagher’s hard work and dedication has the sophomore firmly in the 2020 Class 2A state wrestling tournament, which begins today (Feb. 20) at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines.
“He’s earned it,” Greene County head coach Zach Beekman said. “Day in and day out, it’s him. I was really happy to see the work he puts in that he got something back out of it. Not only that, but McKinley beats on him and beats on him in practice, but he takes his lickings and gives it back. he never stops.
Getting (Brenner) to the state tournament was the icing on the cake.”
Unfortunately, Gallagher drew an incredibly tough draw in his first dip into the state tournament. He’s matched up with the top-ranked 113 pound wrestler in 2A, Carter Fousek of Cresco (36-3). Gallagher was thrilled to punch his ticket to state last Saturday, Feb. 15 during the Atlantic district tournament, even if the celebrations were a little subdued after a title match loss. He finished runner-up after losing to Aybren Moore of Atlantic (37-4), securing a automatic spot at the state tournament.
“It was really sweet, but I had mixed emotions,” Gallagher said. “I was really happy.”
Gallagher has noticed his steady rise after battling Robbins on a near daily basis. His fellow teammate is 34-1 for a reason, and it’s really helped the budding sophomore grow.
“He’s really good and solid in every position,” Gallagher said. “If I know I can come up to his level and beat him in those positions, I know I can be pretty good against other opponents.”
Coach Beekman certainly admires Gallagher’s no-frills demeanor. He always comes to win, no matter the situation. That confidence has paid off big-time.
“He doesn’t really do anything extra, but he just goes hard all the time,” the coach said. “Some of the guys he’s faced, when he’s up against a wall, they might back off a little bit. But even in an uncomfortable position, he keeps going. When McKinley is beating on his head in practice, (Brenner) acts like he’s been around it for years. He’s more accustomed to the rough and tough now.”
What really sticks out in Beekman’s mind, outside of Gallagher’s toughness, is his willingness to take criticism and learn from his mistakes. Beekman knows he’s ready each and every time the coach dishes out something knew.
“Everybody is coachable to a certain extent, but he soaks it all in and tries to please you as much as possible by doing the right thing,” Beekman said. “He’s not perfect with his technique, and that’s something we will continue to work on, but he’s easy to talk to. He doesn’t shake his head and turn away from you. He knows what we are talking about.”
The incredible atmosphere of the wrestling state tournament will do little to deter Gallagher once he takes to the mat during the Class 2A tournament in Des Moines. He’s ready for the moment.
“I just have to keep my head in the game and don’t get my emotions mixed up,” Gallagher said. “We take a lot of pride. Our goal was to make the state tournament (McKinley and I) and we did. We’re going to keep moving forward from that.”
Gallagher was pinned by defending state champion Carter Fousek in the first round Thursday, but bounced back to win his opening round consolation match, 12-6 over Sheldon's Osvaldo Campo. He'll wrestle again in the second round of the loser's bracket during the morning session Friday, Feb. 21.
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