Different team, same drive

SPIRIT LAKE – David Hayes wanted to finish his high school wrestling career in Bonners Ferry.

Health issues involving grandparents on both sides of his family, though, necessitated that the Hayeses move near Rathdrum. So Hayes, a state champion a year ago, will try to repeat wearing a different singlet this winter.

“I understand why he had to move, but I wish he could be here,” Bonners Ferry coach Conrad Garner said. “It’s one of those things you understand because it involves family. But I’ve coached that kid since he was 5 years old. He’s kind of like family. You know him so well that he’s predictable.”

“It was tough to tell him,” Hayes said of having to break the news last summer to Garner.

Hayes didn’t waste any time making the transition at Timberlake High School during the football season. The 5-foot-8, 160-pound Hayes was named the Intermountain League’s co-defensive player of the year for his play at linebacker.

“That was a special team. I really thought we could have gone all the way,” said Hayes of the Tigers’ 10-1 season that ended in the semifinals. “I made a lot of friends. It was a blast.”

Hayes is slowly trimming down to 140, the same weight he was at last year. He started the week at 146. He should have no problem making weight for the Tri-State tournament, which will be held Dec. 15-16 at North Idaho College.

He finished third at Tri-State last year. He wants to match the accomplishments of a pair of uncles by winning at Tri-State and defending his state title.

Uncle Mike Miller was a two-time state champ when he wrestled in the mid-1980s at Lakeland. Uncle Chris Miller was the lone Tri-State champ among the three Miller boys – brothers to Hayes’ mother.

The move to Timberlake means Hayes’ extended family will watch most of his matches this year.

If Hayes has his way, his family won’t see him lose this year. Going undefeated is one of a handful of goals, including landing a scholarship to wrestle in college.

He finished his junior season in a statement-making fashion, winning a state title with an 18-3 technical fall. The state title followed a runner-up finish as a sophomore and a fifth-place finish as a freshman. He posted his 100th career win last season, running his overall record to 115-14. He should finish with well more than 150 career wins.

Hayes knows why he captured a state title in such a dominating fashion last year. He gives all the credit to teammate Adam Hall, who concluded his prep career with three state titles while earning a scholarship to Boise State.

“Training with Adam every day was a big motivation,” Hayes said. “One of my goals is to be as good as Adam. He’s at such a higher level.”

“He’s got tools,” Garner said of Hayes.

Timberlake coach Matt Neff appreciates what Hayes brings to his practice room.

“He’s a great leader,” Neff said. “His resume speaks for itself. He’s very helpful with younger kids. For as good as he is, he’s a humble kid and a great example. He’s had an immediate impact.”