Three Hackley Wresters Win State Titles

When one thinks of a three-time state champion in wrestling, the assumption would be that the grappler is an upperclassman.

That isn't the case for Hackley 119-pounder Justin Seim, who is just a sophomore. Seim improved his record to 29-0 when he won his third straight state championship while leading the Hornets to a second place team finish at the Private School State Championships at Long Island Lutheran on Feb. 13.

"I thought I could succeed because of my past success," Seim said. "I had wrestled the guys I faced before so that gave me confidence that I could win."

Seim was one of seven Hornet wrestlers who competed in the finals. Also winning state titles for Hackley were Dan Shaw (96 pounds) and Kojo Boateng (145).

Teammates Ignacio Mejias (152), Sebastian Mejias (160), Brian Clingen (171) and Aidan Graham (189) placed second and Matt MacFarlane (112) took third.

"We just have worked really hard since the beginning of the year for this," Seim said. "We knew that going into this season, before it even started, that we could have a good year."

Seim and Boateng will look to continue that good year 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, when they compete in the National Prep Qualifier at Blair Academy, located in Blairstown, NJ.

Seim said that the key to winning in the qualifier will be to stay focused, work hard and get ready for a highly competitive meet.

"The National Prep Qualifier is something that I have been looking forward to the whole season," Seim said.

Seim said one of the keys to the success he and his teammates have had this winter is the leadership of seniors Boateng, Sebastian Mejias, Brian Clingen, Aidan Graham and Brian Alvarado, who placed fourth in the states.

"We have five seniors that have been very important to our success," Seim said. "We couldn't have been as successful as we were without them and their leadership. "They are great to look up to."

One example Seim used of how the seniors have been helpful is by being able to learn from them in practice, For example, while the Hornets do switch practice partners, one partner Seim has worked often with is Boateng, which has helped him prepare immensely for his matches.

Another thing that helps Seim is the fact that he has been wrestling on the varsity since he was in eighth grade.

"I just love the competitive nature of wrestling," Seim said. "I like the fact that out on the mat you don't have anyone else to rely on but yourself. If you want to win, you have to do it on your own."

Seim said he would like to wrestle in college but said it's a long way before he can even think about where he would like to go. For now, he is just going to enjoy his high-school experience, which is a good one.

"The best thing about wrestling is being with my teammates," Seim said. "Everyone works really hard together and they are good guys. It's just a good atmosphere to be a part of."