Cookeville wrestler Wyatt Ellis chasing a state championship this season after a fifth-place finish at last year’s state tournament gave him his first opportunity to compete among Tennessee’s top wrestlers.
Ellis said his first state tournament appearance showed him what he could accomplish against elite competition, but also motivated him to aim higher. He said the experience helped build his confidence after Cookeville finished last season with a 33-7 record.
“I just let it fly and, ultimately placed which is great, it’s a great feather in my cap but obviously we’re chasing first place this year,” Ellis said. “I feel like an important part was just the fact that I had already made it to placing status so no matter what happened I was able to compete and still place.”
Ellis said his preparation includes offseason trips to Franklin to train at The Den under former Division I wrestler Max Meisner, who competed at Wisconsin and Michigan. He also continues training in Cookeville to prepare for the physical and mental demands of the season.
“It’s a very demanding sport,” Ellis said. “Not, only mentally but physically it can be very hard, wear down your body a lot.”
Ellis said maintaining the right mindset is just as important as physical preparation. He approaches every match without overlooking an opponent, regardless of their reputation or previous accomplishments.
“So whenever I get into the circle to wrestle, I’m just there and I’m push, just pushing past, just like everybody’s on the same, same journey as I am,” Ellis said. “I don’t overlook any of my opponents.”
Ellis said his ambitions extend beyond a state championship. He plans to compete in additional national tournaments outside Cookeville’s regular schedule, hoping to establish himself among the country’s top wrestlers.
“Obviously there’s some national tournaments I would like to become nationally ranked, not only just in the state of Tennessee but just nationally,” Ellis said. “I got a few tournaments that I’m going to outside of just our regular season tournaments, and I plan on doing really well in those.”