Athlete Profile: Dylan Comins

Lena High School senior Dylan Comins has put together a strong wrestling career, and now is hoping to make his senior season his best one yet.

Comins had already qualified for state twice heading into his senior season. He placed sixth at state as a junior and is off to a strong start this winter.

The senior placed third at the Neenah Invite on Dec. 9 and came in second at the Shawano Holiday Classic on Dec. 17. He placed 11th at the loaded Lourdes On the Water Classic on Dec. 29-30.

During the Shawano Holiday Classic, Comins earned his 100th career win.

Q: When did your interest in wrestling begin?

A: I started in 4K so I was 3-4 years old. But I really started to be interested or take it seriously around my 7-8th grade year.

Q: What is your favorite part about the wrestling season?

A: At the end when all of the work throughout the season pays off at the state tournament.

Q: What has wrestling taught you over the years?

A: It has taught me to be mentally tough and keep my head high even in the low times. It has also shown me you only get out what you put in.

Q: Talk about the work you’ve put in to become the wrestler you are today.

A: I go into practice ready to work and work on things that I need to. Starting last year, before school I will get up in the mornings before school to lift at 5:15 until school starts. Then going to practice after school.

I would lift at least three days a week in the morning and all throughout the summer. Then in the fall instead of playing football I ran cross-country to stay in shape. Also going to as many practices in Coleman throughout the summer as I can.

Q: You earned your 100th career win a couple weekends ago. What did that accomplishment mean to you?

A: It’s cool to hit 100 wins, especially that I only got to wrestle a handful of matches my freshman year due to me being small and my sophomore year having COVID. So it is cool but I’m going for over 122 to beat my dad’s (Rory Comins) career wins.

Q: Do you have any other individual goals you hope to accomplish this season, and what will it take to achieve those?

A: Individually I am shooting for over 122 wins and getting back to the state tournament. Once I get to the state tournament I am striving to be higher on the podium than last year.

Q: As a senior, how do you try to lead the rest of your team?

A: I try to keep them going in the practice room and try to have a little fun and teach the younger guys coming up.

Q: What’s your favorite memory of competing on the Lena wrestling team?

A: At regionals my freshman year in Lena when I was only 90 pounds wrestling up a weight at 113 — 116 at the time. In my semifinals match to determine who went to sectionals when I won a close match to move on. The whole crowd, even other schools were cheering and rooting for me, the little guy. It was the loudest I have ever heard the gym, and other people that were there say the same.

Q: Favorite movie, TV show and musical artist?

A: Movie — “Smokey and the Bandit.” TV show — “The Goldbergs.” Musical artist — Riley Green.

Q: Name one thing about yourself that not many people know.

A: I am the only one out of the three seniors — me, Luke (Misco), Sam (Marquardt) — wrestling that never played basketball in middle school.

Q: What are some things you hope to accomplish after graduating high school?

A: I hope to come back to Lena at some point and help with the wrestling program in any ways I can. And continue being a hard worker and earning everything I get.

AT A GLANCE

Athlete: Dylan Comins

Sport: Wrestling

Weight class: 120 pounds

School: Lena High School

Year: Senior