Wrestling champ also wins distinguished student award

At wrestling practice earlier this week, as Steve Boone was preparing for the district meet, he listened intently as the coach gave his pep talk.

“I love the competition,” Boone said. “The trips are fun and the teammates are fun, but the competition and the fact that it’s all me is what enjoy. I can’t blame my successes or failures on anyone else.”

Boone took second in state last year in wrestling and is hoping to take first this year. One thing’s for sure — he’ll have a lot of support — especially since he has 15 brothers and sisters who cheer him on.

“It’s a great fan section at the wrestling matches,” Boone said. “A lot of them come and support me. My brother Todd comes into my wrestling practices sometimes. He comes in and works me over and shows me what I need to do. He’s helped me a lot to get where I am today in wrestling.”

After college Boone hopes to work with his brothers at the family auto recycling business. He already works there part time.

“I love working with my brothers,” Boone said.

Boone excels academically too. He’s taking honors and college credit classes. For Steve, good grades are about more than getting scholarships.

“More so than the grades, teaching me how to work and to get those good grades,” Boone said.