06-03-2025
Howland's two-time State wrestling qualifier named Student Athlete of the Week
HOWLAND, Ohio (WKBN) – There is no wrestling 'season' for Howland senior Chris Mijavec. He wrestles year-round.
'You put in all that work over the summer and you see it happening in front of you. I went from not making it out of sectionals as a sophomore to qualifying for states my junior year,' Mijavec said. 'You put in that commitment, you really see a payback.'
Mijavec is a four-year letter-winner for the Tigers and a two-time captain. He's got 97 career wins and will make his second appearance in Columbus this weekend at the OHSAA State Wrestling Championships.
'A lot of it for me is honestly about having fun,' Mijavec said. 'I feel like when I think too much into who I'm wrestling, or what I'm doing, it's too much on me. I'm too stressed. So a lot of it for me is just going out there having fun scoring points, just going out there and not really thinking too much, just letting myself flow.'
Mijavec is a three-sport athlete who will graduate with 10 varsity letters in wrestling, football, and track and field. He's a member of the National Honor Society and has volunteered over 50 hours this year alone. He also has a 3.99 grade point average.
'I just always valued my grades,' Mijavec said. 'If you really value your grades and do that first and then focus on other things, that commitment you put towards your grades will rub off in your sports. If you're really committed to getting good grades, you'll be committed to your sport and wanting to get better.'
Mijavec is one of 16 wrestlers in the state vying for the 190-pound title this weekend. It's a perfect opportunity to carve his name into Howland's storied history.
'To me, that's really important. It's one last time in the Howland singlet. To go out there and give it my all and to place would mean a lot to me.'
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