Sulphur junior Baer Webb has seen his fair share of state championships.
From a decorated wrestling family, Webb watched both of his brothers win state titles.
And last weekend, he won one of his own, taking home the individual title at 165 lbs.
“It’s been my goal since watching my brothers become state champs,” Webb said.
His older brother, Conner, Sulphur’s head coach, had a front row seat to Baer’s title, which comes a year after placing 4th at state.
“I worked harder to try to meet my goals,” he said. “I had my brother and teammates pushing me all year. Our wrestling room has been getting better and better.”
Webb finished the year 27-1 and was quick to give credit to his teammates, especially his workout partner at 157 lbs., Maddax Mobly.
“My workout partner, Maddax Mobly, was a huge part of this,” he said. “We pushed each other everyday in the wrestling room. My teammates are all beasts in the room. I consider being in the room with them an honor.”
Webb won by major decision in the opening round last Thursday, beating Jance Sommers of Poteau 9-1.
He then pinned Chandler Fortney of Bristow in the semis at the 5:06 mark.
Webb won the state championship in a 6-4 decision over Bodie Adams of Sallisaw, who was 32-3 on the year.
It was his second win over Adams this year.
Webb spoke about losing only once all year and how that helped him learn throughout the season.
“My goal was to be a state champion which meant I needed to do my best to keep losses at a minimum,” he said. “I was focused on learning from my mistakes and driving to get better each week.”
Webb talked about the closeness, support and family atmosphere he feels at school and in the wrestling room that helped him this season.
“I have made some great friends in this room,” he said. “We all train hard together and everyone here, meaning coaches and teachers, are so supportive. They have accepted me and my family as if we have always been here. It’s great.”
Webb isn’t ready to consider himself among the greats yet, but he certainly has a seat at the table, as he looks to keep pushing towards what is next.
“My plan is to look into a few camps this summer and keep advancing,” he said.
“I don’t consider myself a great wrestler yet, but my plan is to keep working and getting better. I love this sport. It’s been a way of life in our family.”
And to win it with his brother on the mat with him was certainly a special moment, continuing to build the legacy of the Webb family.
“It’s amazing to get to work with my brother,” he said. “He has a great background in wrestling. He cuts me zero slack and is brutally honest to help me fix what needs to be fixed. He is an amazing coach.”
