By Matt Browning

Christian Belden of Concordia was voted the Salina Area Preseason Boys Wrestler of the Year. Belden is ranked fourth at the 106 weight class in the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association Preseason Rankings.

Camps and individual practices were a large part of Belden’s offseason and he hopes that leads to fulfilled expectations for this season.

“My expectations for the upcoming season for my team is to win league and several teammates advance and place at state,” Belden said. “My personal expectations for the season is to go a lot further at state than last year.”

A main reason why Belden might advance further at state is a change in philosophy, both physical and mental, on the mat.

“One particular area I want to improve is being more aggressive on my shots and leaving everything in the mat,” Belden said.

At this time, Belden is undecided on his future, but he hopes wrestling is a part of it.

“My plans for my future are still undecided but if I were to receive a scholarship for wrestling I would think about pursuing secondary education,” Belden said.