Wade Slatniske doesn't get much of a break between his fall and winter sports. The South Carroll senior goes from football, where he stars at linebacker, to wrestling, where last year he helped the Cavaliers earn a share of the Class 2A-1A state championship.
Slatniske is back on the mat after earning first-team all-county football honors and leading the Cavs to the state semifinals. This year he's wrestling a little heavier at 182 pounds, and he is 14-0 with 14 pins heading the Westminster Duals on Monday and Tuesday.
Slatniske recently celebrated his 100th career victory (sort of) and spent some time talking about that special recognition. He's never too far removed from doing what he does best — keeping the mood light and his teammates and coaches in stitches with jokes and wacky antics, whether it be in person or on social media.
What did surpassing 100 career wins mean to you?
Well that's, like, a career milestone for any wrestler. Their goal is to get 100 wins. Funny story ... I actually did it last year in the season [former teammate Jake Pooton] did it. Jake got met with his girlfriend with a poster, and it said 100 wins, and they took a picture. And it was all cute and stuff. I had my 100th win at the state tournament, and nobody said anything until three weeks later when I was texting Jake. He was like, 'Yeah Wade, I think your 100th win was Saturday.'
Why did they wait until a few weeks ago to recognize you?
"Because [coach Bryan] Hamper felt bad."
What's the mood like trying to defend the Class 2A-1A state tournament title this season?
We won a tournament state championship, so we knew coming into the season we were going to be a tournament team. Because we have very good wrestlers throughout our team that can compete in very tough tournaments. We're going to struggle with some of the dual meets, and some of the smaller tournaments, because we just don't have numbers for one reason or not. ... But we look to repeat this year. I think we have a strong team and we can do it.
What's it like being coached by a two-time state champion, and now a South Carroll Hall of Famer, in Bryan Hamper?
Bryan's a great guy. He's Mr. Business. If you have problems, it doesn't even have to be wrestling related. He'll be like, 'OK, so here's what we're going to do.' Hamper's just a great coach to be around. He's hilarious. He's like one of the guys, but he's also a mentor.
Speaking of hilarious, still claiming your title as the funniest guy on the team, if not the entire school?
Of course, all the time. 'Humor and shock value' is my Twitter bio. [Century grad] Wes Dantzler, who used to do all the funny stuff with me, graduated last year. So that stinks, because I'm not going to have anybody to wear American flag Speedos with me. It gets lonely. If Wes wants to come back and just weigh in with us, I'd be more than happy.