Richards wins first state title

Parker Richards, a junior at Kasson-Mantorville High School, grew up in the K-M wrestling community.
“I have been wrestling since I was In preschool,” Richards said. “I joined when I was little because Kasson had a good wrestling program, so my parents got me involved.”
Last Saturday, in one of the last matches of the evening at the state tournament, Richards did something he saw many people do ahead of him. He won a Class AA individual title, winning in the 189-pound weight class.
For Richards, it was a reflection on the thousands of hours he spent perfecting his craft, while also looking up to older wrestlers.
“It was super cool. I remember when I was a 7th grader on the state team and looking up to all the older kids thinking that they were so cool, and now I like to think I’m that person that the little kids get to look up to,” Richards said.
But Richards said winning a state title “proves to myself how good I really am.”
“I was ranked low all year or even unranked at some points, so to go out and win a state title I think puts everyone on notice,” Richards said. “Also, it means a lot to not just me but like my team and community. I mean if there is a big dual, guaranteed there’s gonna be tons of Kasson fans there so to go out and put on a show for them is an amazing feeling.”
When it comes to advice for younger wrestlers, as he once was waiting in the shadows, he said, “Just have fun with it and don’t worry too much.”
‘You’re not always going to be the best guy in the room and that’s ok. Keep working hard every single day and eventually your time will come if you believe it and put the work in.” Richards said.
He also said that at the end of the day, “It’s just a wrestling match.”
“It may not always feel like it, but it’s never that serious. When I was younger, I’d be so scared to go out and wrestle but I wasn’t scared that I was gonna get hurt. I was scared of losing,” Richards said. “ Once I learned that it’s just a sport and it’s supposed to be fun, it actually became fun.”
Richards also made it clear: The KoMets will be back.
“This is the first year in a while Kasson Mantorville’s team hasn’t been to a state tournament,” he said. “So I just want to let everyone know we’re coming for it all next year.”

Parker Richards wrestles against Mankato East’s Max Morgan in the Class AA championship match. Richards went on to win the state title.

Parker Richards celebrates at center mat after winning his first state title. Richards defeated Mankato East’s Max Morgan in the closing seconds to become the newest addition to the KoMets Wrestling wall of champions.

Parker Richards celebrates his first state championship with coach Jackson Kennedy. The two have a history dating back to Richards’ kindergarten year in youth wrestling, making the victory a meaningful milestone for both Richards and Kennedy.