See all posts in the Kirk’s Captain Corner series
(Kirk’s Captain Corner is a regular feature that will allow Carver County residents to get to know the student-leaders of the various teams in our high schools. Today we feature senior Ben Pierce, co-captain of the Chaska/Chanhassen StormHawks Wrestling Team.)
How long have you been wrestling? Did you wrestle club growing up?
I’ve been wrestling for 10 years. I started in third grade and wrestled for the Stallions Wrestling club which is the youth program for the district. I wrestled for them for four years.
What do you enjoy the most about the sport?
Wrestling is an intense, strategic and physically demanding sport that requires mental toughness, discipline and skill. One of the most enjoyable aspects is the one-on-one nature of competition. Also, our coach always says how wrestling is the ultimate team sport and that’s one of the things I enjoy about it. In dual meets, each athlete carries the weight of their match while knowing that their effort contributes to something bigger. Plus, the sport builds resilience, character and a strong sense of camaraderie among teammates who push each other to be better.
You had an injury this season that, unfortunately, will keep you out of action the rest of the year. That’s really unfortunate, Ben. How has the team and coaching staff picked you up?
The team and coaching staff have been really supportive throughout my injury. After my surgery, a lot of my teammates checked in on me and all signed a card, which meant a lot. Just being around the team helps me stay connected. It’s tough not being able to wrestle, but knowing I still have a role and that my teammates have my back has made the situation easier to handle.
I’m sure you are making an impact as a team leader even while you aren’t able to compete — how are you leading while on the sidelines?
Even though I can’t compete, I’m still trying to be a leader from the sidelines by supporting my teammates and staying engaged. At practices, I watch and give advice when I can, especially to the younger guys who are still developing their technique. During meets, I make sure to bring energy, cheer my teammates on and help keep everyone locked in. I know how much of a difference it makes to have someone in your corner, so I try to be that guy for my team. Even though I can’t be on the mat, I can still contribute by keeping the team motivated and focused.
What are your plans for next year?
Attend Iowa State University and major in some sort of engineering — I haven’t decide exactly on what type — but I know I want to do some sort of engineering.
What has it meant to you to be a team captain?
Being a team captain has meant a lot to me. It means my teammates look at me as someone they can count on, come too if they need anything, while also leading by example. This season has been tough with my injury, but it’s also shown me that leadership isn’t just about what you do on the mat. It’s about staying involved, supporting my teammates and keeping the team energy high.
