Hereford?s Josh Asper knows his high school wrestling career likely will end in one of two ways.
He could join Aberdeen?s Matt Slutsky (1992) and Owings Mills? Steve Kessler (1997) as Maryland?s only four-time public school state champions. Or, he could be one of the handful of wrestlers to fall just short of the feat much like Hammond?s Vince Taweel did last season.
So far, Asper is on track for a happy ending. The 171-pound senior has shown no signs of being distracted by his chance to become one of the state?smost successful wrestlers, as he has opened the season 9-0 to extend his winning streak to 59 matches dating to 2006. Asper has a career record of 123-7, which includes Class 2A/1A state titles at 135, 145 and 160 pounds. But this year, Asper will compete in the postseason against many new faces, as a boost in the Parkton school?s enrollment pushed it into the 4A/3A classification.
“I?m really excited about the opportunity I have this season,” said Asper, who will wrestle at Maryland next year. “I?m just extremely focused right now and I?m just going to continue to work harder to try and accomplish that goal while also getting ready for college next season.”
Asper said the growth of Maryland?s program, which is ranked 22nd in the nation, and the school?s commitment to the sport made his decision to head to College Park very easy.
“Maryland was the first school to come after me and the one that came after me the hardest,” Asper said. “They have a great future there and I only see them getting better.”
Hereford coach Ron Causey said he saw a lot of potential in Asper when he first took over the varsity program three years ago, but he never envisioned Asper having the chance to be remembered as one of the state?s all-time greats.
Causey said Asper?s legacy at the Baltimore County school will extend far beyond his accomplishments on the mat, as he?s played a vital role in helping his younger teammates make a smooth transition to the varsity level. Eighth-ranked Hereford, the defending Baltimore County Tournament champion, is 3-1 entering this afternoon?s home match at 4 against ninth-ranked John Carroll (8-3).
“I can?t say I ever predicted Josh?s career to turn out like it has,” Causey said. “I thought if he finished in the top six as a freshman that would be a hell of an accomplishment. But Josh has the mindset of a champion and not everybody has that, even those who possess that talent.”
Right now, Asper isn?t worried about his college career: He?s more concerned with molding the Bulls into a contender. Hereford has been among the state?s best in recent seasons ? the Bulls finished second at the 2A/1A Dual Meet Tournament in 2006 before falling in the semifinals last year ? but hasn?t won a title above the regional level since winning the state tournament in 1970.
“We?re still getting into wrestling shape, which is why we haven?t participated in any early season tournaments,” said Asper, a linebacker on the school?s football team that lost to Damascus in the 3A final. “But I expect us to be at our best come February.”
