Howard's mission: CBA senior eyeing state wrestling title this season

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on November 28, 2014 1:51 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

PIKEVILLE -- Each time Zach Howard circles the mat in the wrestling practice room, a few framed photos catch his eye on occasion.

Standing with their hand raised in victory are either conference, regional or state qualifiers -- grapplers who have set the standard before him and his current teammates in the tradition-rich Charles B. Aycock program.

Placards identify CBA wrestlers in the Century Club (100 wins).

A banner hangs in the gym recognizing the school's lone state champion -- Ngu Tran.

Howard is among that elite group of state qualifiers, but something has been gnawing at his soul since his freshman year. Now a senior, Howard wants more than anything to become just the second state champ in CBA history -- and the 24th overall in Wayne County lore.

Freshly showered after a two-hour session in the sweltering workout room, Howard takes a deep breath as he straddles a rolled up wrestling mat.

His junior season still eats at him -- a campaign that resulted in a 5-3, consolation-round victory over Tyler Paul of Terry Sanford in the N.C. High School Athletic Association Class 3-A championships. Though he admits no regrets, the fifth-place showing -- in Howard's carefully-chosen, but biting words -- could have been better.

It's a loss in his mind.

Now, Howard is down to his last chance.

"Goal for this year?" he asked as a sly grin curled his lips.

"Win states, without a doubt. The further away you are from (your goal), the further you've got to go, but also the harder you'll work to get it. I lost my first match at states (last year), had my back against the wall the whole tournament."

Howard has been a sponge since last March.

The 126-pounder competed in the Disney Duals, and highly-competitive individual tournaments in Pennsylvania and Virginia -- two states that churn out quality collegiate wrestlers year in and out. He's also participates on two teams based out of Raleigh that includes his favorite sparring partners -- Chance Davis and Austin Jamison.

The duo provides unique tests for Howard.

Davis prefers to control the tempo and has the ability to scramble out of awkward positions which oftentimes lead to points for the opponent. Jamison's quickness forces Howard to change his approach -- and reaction time -- while on his feet.

"They're extremely good," said Howard, who has jumped three different weight classes since his freshman year and has a 146-25 career record.

"I've wrestled all the kids in my weight class over the summer, so I know what I'm up against. You get to know their technique."

Howard spent more time in the gym and added a couple of pounds to his compact frame during the offseason. He works out daily with teammate Jacob Dickenson, who is similar in height and build.

Not every opponent will be the same, however.

Howard realizes he could run into either a stronger, bigger or quicker wrestler in either dual-team or individual competition. Keeping a calm demeanor and wrestling his style remains the game plan.

"Mentally, you have to get back up and continue," said Howard, who has attracted attention from the U.S. Naval Academy, Appalachian State, Virginia Tech and Campbell University.

"Physical, as far as strength goes, it's not that big of an aspect because I've seen some extremely weak kids come out on top multiple times. Technique is the biggest thing ... knowing what to do in different positions and how to scramble with a guy."

And this time, apply all that knowledge to return home as a state champion.