Newton’s Sharp picks Graceland wrestling

There weren’t very many signs during Colin Sharp’s freshman and sophomore seasons that he would be a collegiate wrestler.

Sharp had losing records those years and even started 5-6 in his senior season.

Then a lightbulb went off. And Sharp simply got better. A lot better.

“He’s always looked the part. He’s put together,” former Newton head wrestling coach Adam Hale said. “But we finally got him to buy into himself. It all took flight around Christmas break. He put together a really good run.”

The run included a trip to the state tournament. He went 1-2 inside Wells Fargo Arena but had a record of 15-5 after the slow start.

“Something clicked over Christmas break. I think he surprised himself on how good he can actually be,” new Newton wrestling coach R.J. Brown said. “His work ethic is awesome and he’s a quiet leader. That all clicked for him.”

The strong finish to Sharp’s career afforded the Cardinal senior with the opportunity to take his talents to the next level.

He accepted that opportunity at Graceland University and will start his collegiate career with the Yellowjackets this fall. Sharp picked Graceland over Central College, Luther College and Ellsworth Community College.

“I like the coach a lot and I like the campus. I don’t want a big school,” Sharp said about his decision to wrestle for Graceland.

Graceland certainly isn’t a big school. The campus is located in an even smaller town in Lamoni. But that will allow Sharp to not get off track and get distracted by his surroundings.

“I get distracted easily so the town not being very big should help me,” Sharp said. “It was also the best deal for me money-wise.”

Sharp was 9-12 as a sophomore and 15-17 at 152 pounds as a junior. His state appearance came at 160 and Sharp ended his final season on the mat with a record of 20-11.

“One of the most explosive wrestlers I have ever seen and he’s still kind of a raw wrestler who has room to grow,” Brown said. “Once he gets going with some high-level guys, I think he will take off.”

Sharp competed at 152 as a junior and moved up to 160 this past winter. At Graceland, he expects to be at 157 or 165.

“They have recruited a lot of 157 pounders,” Sharp said. “So I’m not sure where it will shake out.”

Hale said Sharp was a light 160 this past season. And he was certified to wrestle at 152. So going to 149 in college may still be an option.

Brown thinks he could end up as a strong 165 pounder.

“The body changes a lot in college though so you never know,” Brown said.

Hale agreed with Brown when it comes to Sharp’s future. Both coaches feel like his best days are ahead.

“Graceland is getting a tough wrestler with a positive attitude,” Hale said. “All of it is still blooming, too, so they are catching him at a good time where he can still grow.”