Attica wrestler Boden Rice inspired by coaches heading into Logansport regional

LAFAYETTE – Attica 150-pound senior wrestler Boden Rice wasn't going to let the moment slip away again.

For two straight years, Rice had gotten to the IHSAA sectional championship round only to be alluded from the prestigious title yet again.

This year a regional appearance wasn't going to be enough for Rice. He was going to finish. He was going to win.

"I've been wrestling since I was in the seventh grade and I always dreamed of winning a sectional title," Rice said. "I worked my hind tail off and I deserved the 150-pound title. I went after it and chased it this year."

Rice secured his sectional title and is shifting his focus to the regional championship in Logansport as one of the few undefeated wrestlers in his weight class.

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Attica coaches Dean Brandstetter and Dan Douglas have played critical roles in helping Rice overcome his past losses.

"They've become like second dads to me," Rice said. "They may give you a hard time during practice but they are really trying to push you like a father figure would. They want you to succeed to the best of your ability."

Brandstetter saw how losing in the finals affected Rice.

"He made it to the finals as a sophomore and I think he was just happy with making it to the finals," Brandstetter said. "And then you make it to the finals again, you lose and you're wanting to do what you have to do in order to win. It just kind of bugged him and you want to keep showing you're getting a lot better as the years go on."

Now Rice is focused and mentally ready for what's ahead. The senior has slimmed down 20 pounds after starting the year wrestling at 170.

"It's been pretty hard keeping my weight down but it takes a lot of dedication and it's all about a mindset," Rice said.

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Watching Rice win his title was a heartwarming experience for Brandstetter, who has coached wrestling for over 40 years. Seeing his athletes win, their persistence pay off and the joy felt after accomplishing a goal will never get old.

"You see what these kids you go through, you see what you put them through in practice and they have to work harder in practice," Brandstetter said. "You hammer out those things they aren't doing right to fix those problems and then they go out and they perform. You just feel good for them."

Ethan Hanson is the sports reporter for the Journal & Courier in Lafayette. He can be reached at ehanson@gannett.com, on Twitter at EthanAHansonand Instagram at ethan_a_hanson.

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Undefeated Attica wrestler Boden Rice ready for regionals