Middletown High School senior Tucker Ziegler stands above his opponent, his jaw clenched and his fists balled up. Ziegler has pinned his competitor, and after this dominant performance, one thing is evident: Ziegler is in a class of his own in the hierarchy of Frederick County wrestling.
As he’s being interviewed Ziegler contemplates each question carefully, and with his low-key personality, he answers quietly. Sarcastic jokes are the norm when speaking to Ziegler, and he drops a few during his interview.
Ziegler has always been a star wrestler, along with his brother, Judd, who is now wrestling at Princeton University. Over the last four years, Ziegler has evolved from a talented freshman to a truly dominant presence.
“I think [Judd and I] have been so successful because of our work ethic, and love for the sport,” said Ziegler.
Last season, according to the Maryland State Wrestling Association, Ziegler finished in the top ten in the state in the 160-pound weight class. Ziegler also finished in the top three in Class 1A/2A in his weight class.
Even with the success and winning of the wrestling team, they still don’t receive the type of coverage that other sports do.
“It kind of bothers me. I wish people would realize how exciting [wrestling] is,” said Ziegler. “It’s not a common sport, so people don’t understand it, and won’t take the time to try.”
Even without the fanfare of some other sports, last season Middletown sent four wrestlers to the state championship at University of Maryland. All four wrestlers placed; Ziegler came in third in the 160-pund class, while MHS sophomore Danny Bertoni took home the state title in his weight class.
“We have a lot of kids that have been wrestling for a long time,” said Ziegler. “Now we’re all together on the same team with one common goal.”
In a sport like wrestling, it’s important to find motivation that can give you an edge when you step on the mat to wrestle. Ziegler doesn’t even have to step outside of his own house to find this support.
“My brother has really been my biggest motivation,” said Ziegler. “I’m always to trying to match or surpass what he’s done.”
Along with his brother, Ziegler has been under the tutelage of Middletown wrestling coach Jim Schartner for the past four years, and it has impacted him tremendously.
“Coach [Schartner] has taught me a lot about self-discipline and mental toughness,” said Ziegler.
Schartner has helped to make Ziegler, along with the rest of the MHS wrestling team, serious competitors on the state level. Schartner’s emphasis on physical fitness and endurance has proved important for Ziegler, who always seems to have a little extra in the tank.
Even with the supreme athletic ability that Ziegler displays, he’s never even contemplated playing another sport. He jokingly suggests, however, that his dad forced him to stick with it.
Led by Ziegler, the Knights wrestling team has potential to be one of the best in MHS history.
“I like that wrestling is a one person sport. When I’m out there it’s about me versus this kid,” said Ziegler. “It’s about how hard I’ve worked versus how hard he’s worked.”
Wrestling is undoubtedly a different type of sport, but the mat is exactly where Tucker Ziegler belongs.
