By Ken Hansard

For many athletes, wrestling is a sport for individuals to test their mettle against similarly trained opponents. For Maize South High senior Josh Berlin, who wrestles at 157 lbs. for the Mavericks, it is more than that. When asked about his love of the sport, Berlin gave an interesting response: “I have been wrestling since I was six years old, so I don’t really remember life before wrestling. I guess I just love it because it is a part of my identity.”

Apparently, the ability to lead is also a part of Berlin’s identity. Berlin states, “I am the team captain at Maize South. I lead the team in warm-ups and breakdowns. I also help the less experienced wrestlers with mistakes they made in their matches and try to help them keep their heads up after a loss.”

To that end, Berlin is optimistic about the prospects for this year’s squad. “I am looking forward to seeing the progression of myself and the team. Our team is far better than it was last year.”

Personally, Berlin sits at 20 – 2 overall and is currently 5 – 0 against other AVCTL Division 1 opponents. He placed first at Bishop Carroll’s tournament, and second at both the Augusta and the Lee’s Summit tourneys. Berlin has 70 career pins and is only 10 pins away from beating the pin record for Maize South wrestlers. The Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association currently ranks him # 4 in class 5A at 157.

Berlin, who recently suffered a torn muscle in his back, says that one of his biggest challenges right now is staying healthy. However, if he can stay healthy, he believes he can make some noise in this year’s post-season. “Last season I finished with a record of 27-12, and I lost in the blood round at regionals. Of course, my goal (this season) is to be a state champion; everyone should want that.”

After high school, Berlin is set to wrestle and to study Criminal Justice at Ellsworth (Iowa) Community College. His career plan is to become a police officer.