Scheels Athlete of the Week: Milder Caps Unbeaten Conference Career With Fourth Consecutive RVC Title
Ryan Murken
Your Prep Sports
IOWA CITY – There was no wild celebration or emotional outburst from Nick Milder following his River Valley Conference title on Saturday.
The Regina senior isn’t much for theatrics and frankly Milder had bigger things on his mind than conference championship
It wasn’t until the hours after Milder secured his fourth consecutive RVC title that it sunk in just how big of an accomplishment it was.
“I never really put that too high on my list honestly I was always just looking at state as the number one goal and that was just something else that came along the way I guess but it was really great,” Milder said. “I don’t think I really understood how big it was until my coaches talked to me about it. It was a really fun experience especially being the first person in school history to do it.”
Milder capped an incredible four-year run against RVC opponents on Saturday by becoming the second wrestler in conference history and first at Regina to win four RVC meet titles.
With an 11-5 win over Wilton’s Coy Baker in the 182-pound championship match Milder finished his career unbeaten against conference foes in regular season or RVC tournament matches.
“That is something that I didn’t really ever think about it but it’s pretty cool now that I know,” Milder said. “That’s a lot of matches against some really good kids.”
The championship win was career victory number 125 for Milder who has gone 55-8 over the past two seasons.
Milder pinned his way to the 182-pound championship on Saturday, his fifth and sixth falls in 11 career RVC meet wins.
With his win over Baker in the championship match Milder closed his career 11-0 in RVC meets.
“It’s really not hard to stay focused on a day like that when you are surrounded by your coaches and teammates,” Milder said. “I was just in the moment the whole time.”
With his RVC career behind him Milder turns his attention to what has been his top goal throughout his career, earning a coveted state medal.
A two-time qualifier, Milder is seeking his first trip to the state meet podium.
“I want to do really well this postseason and hopefully get a title,” Milder said. “I definitely want to make the podium but I am really looking to win a state championship.”
Milder appears poised for a deep state meet run.
He is 29-2 on the season with both losses coming via decision to highly ranked opponents from larger classes in 3A third-ranked Devin Ludwig of Western Dubuque (5-2) and 2A top-ranked Tristin Westphal-Edwards of Washington (5-1).
That type of match, along with two years of state meet experience is what Class 1A eighth-ranked Milder believes gives him an advantage toward a state meet run this season compared to past years.
“It’s definitely made me a lot better seeing my weaknesses and seeing where I can improve,” Milder said. “It has also showed me what I am best at and given me a look at what I will be competing against at state.”