Qualifying for the state tournament was the icing on the already very decorated cake that is McCracken County senior Benjamin Kale’s senior season. Now, for his final ride in his high school wrestling career, the Mustang gets to go out and enjoy the sport that he loves and take pride in his career at the KHSAA Boys/COED State Championship this weekend in Lexington.
Kale is the lone wrestler to qualify from the McCracken County boys squad after placing fourth in the 138 pound weight class in the First Region Championship last weekend.
“I had a solid run. I felt like there was a lot of pressure on me, but once we got there I realized at this point I’m just in it to have fun,” Kale said on his mentality after reaching his podium match. “I was paired up with the No. 1 seed in the semifinal match, I was able to bounce back after that but I ended up colliding on a head shot with my opponent in the 3rd place match and had to forfeit. I probably still could have wrestled, but I had already punched my ticket to state, so I felt it was best to call it.”
His podium finish marks his third year qualifying for the state meet, giving him the opportunity to end his high school career on the highest stage.
Looking back at his career, Kale says he never thought he would have had the success he’s had including advancing to the state championship as often as he has. Kale also hit the 100-win mark earlier this season, adding another major achievement to his career.
“I’ve already won in my head and in my heart,” Kale said. “Achieving 100 wins was not something I ever thought I would reach, but being the fifth guy to do it in the school in such a short amount of time.
Looking ahead, Kale knows this weekend is going to be far from easy as he’s about to compete against the best of the best across the state in his weight class. But his mentality goes beyond just winning.
““I really enjoy getting my hand raised., but what happens is going to happen,” Kale said. “I’ve made it so far and I’m very proud of myself. I just can’t thank everyone enough for their support over the years.”
Kale is set to square off against St. Xavier’s Brock Fernandez Thursday to kick off his weekend, where no matter what happens, he’s just proud to be a Mustang, competing in the sport that he loves on the biggest stage.