By Gary Van Cleave 

Special to Great Bend Tribune 

Next month, Great Bend High senior wrestler Triston Tomlinson will chase that gold medal that has alluded him.

“Man a state championship this year would mean the world,” said Tomlinson, who collected his 100th career victory earlier this season. “Not just for me but also for my parents. They have put the time, money and effort into it. I don’t only just want to win it for myself but also for them. My dad (Tyler Tomlinson) and I have put in some hours. Winning it this year will definitely make it worth them late nights and early mornings.”

Tomlinson (23-3) is ranked second in Class 5A at 157 pounds right behind Goddard's Kolton McElwain in the Kansas Wrestling Coaches Association rankings.

“From a young age, Triston has had a good mindset that led to a nose-to-the-grindstone work ethic and mentality in the room,” Panther coach Rex Kern said. “That focus towards physical work has given him a great base to build off of.”

Tomlinson has qualified for state three consecutive years. He placed third as a freshman and sixth as a sophomore. He lost in a stacked bracket in the 'blood rounds' as a junior.

His passion is pinning opponents just like he did when he notched his 100th career win recently.

“Obviously I knew it was my 100th match, but I didn’t let that change my game plan,” Tomlinson said. “It didn’t matter what the circumstances were. I was going to go in there and just score points and break him.”

He barely broke a sweat, dominating his man in just 87 seconds.

“A relentless, in-your-face style on his feet has garnished him a lot of scoring opportunities,” Kern said. “That with a pressure forward top game and his always improving mat wrestling is turning all of his work into a top tier finished grinder on the wrestling surface.”

Teammate Trenton Kern said, "Triston's style is different from others his weight. Being taller than most, he uses it to his advantage in positions and scrambles helping him dominate.”

Tomlinson’s success (118-46) wouldn’t be possible without the assistance from a higher being.

“I will say God has been a big factor in everything. He is the reason I have the drive to keep going,” Tomlinson said.

He continued.

“From a young age, I've been blessed with being into a Christian family,” Tomlinson said. “My grandma (Leaetta Tomlinson) always had me go to church with her. Since a young age, I didn’t understand much but I always paid attention and tried my hardest to learn everything I can. As I was growing up, I started to learn more and more all every Wednesday and Sunday.”

Once he reached high school, Tomlinson realized how important faith was.

“I would say here in the past two years, God has played a huge factor with being in high school,” he said. “There are so many ways you can fall down the wrong path. But with reading my bible all the time, it has always led me to success. Even in underdog matches making sure I pray to keep myself staying focused and just having Him with me through everything has definitely helped.”

Tomlinson serves as the Panthers' team captain.

“It definitely means a lot knowing I am leading the team,” he said. “It puts a bunch of pressure making sure I can lead my team to do the best they can do. But I love it. I love watching my guys do what they can do.”

Coach Kern said, "Triston has never shied away from finding the best competition and going to face it. Those opportunities to pair up with great competition has kept him evolving and hungry for the next step. That focus is going to put him right where he deserves to be at the end of this season, fulfilling goals he has set. I can't wait to see what the rest of the season has in store for him."

His season continues this weekend in the Garden City Tournament.

Teammate Cal Schartz (138) said, "Triston is the hardest worker in the room. He wants to win as much as anybody. He's a great leader. It doesn't matter who you are, he will push you to be your best.”

Tomlinson can be seen before a match walking around, listening to music and just keeping himself calm. But the calmness quickly becomes savage-like when he steps on the mat.

“Go out there and break them,” he said of his mindset. “Make them remember who you are and score points and don’t stop moving, constantly pressure.”

It's a mindset that was handed down by his dad.

“My dad is definitely my biggest inspiration because he is the one who started it all,” Tomlinson said. “He has always been there through everything. He makes me the best version of myself, and I  appreciate that. He knows my potential and he wants me to succeed in everything I do.”

That means doing the extra work.

“If you aren’t working on getting better outside of the room, you will never be the best,” Tomlinson said.

“Standing on top of the podium for any of our kids just helps reiterate that hard work and dedication in this sport is irreplaceable,” coach Kern said. “That kind of mindset paired with a solid toolbox shows and motivates all levels of our program from club through high school to trust the process. Believe in yourself and trust those you're surrounded by. Having kids like Triston doing all the above mentioned consistently with his results helps build the confidence in our youth, that he works hand in hand with. Leading to our continued success.”

Tomlinson isn't planning to wrestle at the next level. Then again, maybe just maybe, he might.

“Honestly no, I'm pretty much done after this year," he said. "I've gone so hard when I was young that after high school, I’m moving on with my life. That's why winning it this year is so big. Who knows, If I win it this year I might get a chance to wrestle somewhere big. But as of right now I am done after high school.”

He’s been pinning his foes since he was 4. If he saw his younger self today, this is what he’d share with him.

“Constantly stay working hard,” he said. “Don’t get satisfied with anything and don’t get distracted with everything around you.”

He concluded with these thoughts.

“I hope I can be a role model for the kids coming up. Someone for the younger generation to look up to,” he said. “Success isn’t just winning, it is being able to reach the goals you set for yourself. Don’t give up through tough times. Pain is only temporary, but the reward is forever.”