Cramerton, N.C.- The North Carolina High School Athletic Association state wrestling championships are scheduled to begin this Saturday at the Greensboro Coliseum. Junior wrestler Bentley Sly from Stuart Cramer High School in Cramerton is gearing up for the tournament, clearly focused on his goal of winning his third state championship title.
“Winning a third state championship would be another step in the process to be one of the top guys,” Sly states. Each title represents not just a trophy but a significant milestone on his journey in the sport. A significant influence on Sly's drive is his older brother, Charlie Sly, a three-time state champion who currently wrestles at Gardner-Webb University. Charlie’s success serves as both inspiration and motivation for Sly. The support from Charlie, along with their family, creates a strong foundation for Sly’s goals.
In preparation for the championship, Sly emphasizes the importance of hard work and self-care. “I’m working as hard as I can while keeping my body feeling good,” Sly explains. This balance is crucial as he navigates the intense demands of training.
Maintaining the right mindset is also vital. “I like to keep my mind on a greater goal and just think of it as a part of the process,” Sly shares. This perspective helps him manage the pressure that comes with competing for another title. His coaches and family support him by not making it a big deal beforehand. “They say, ‘it’s just another match,’ so that’s the mindset I attack all matches with,” Sly notes.
Training at Darkhorse Wrestling Club in Charlotte, N.C. has been instrumental in Sly's development as a wrestler. “We work hard and focus on technique to make sure I feel confident in all positions,” Sly shares. Emphasizing the importance of consistency in his routine, he adds, “For my preparation, I don’t change anything too much as I am always preparing for the next level of wrestling.” Sly also credits his training partners, particularly Will Varner from Kings Mountain High School, a frontrunner for his first state championship in the 150 weight class, just one class above Sly’. “Will Varner is one of my partners that pushes me, and we scrap pretty hard. Till Helms is also someone that pushes me and holds me accountable.” Training alongside such competitive wrestlers pushes Sly to elevate his game.
What drives the nationally ranked Sly is the fulfillment that comes from hard work. “What drives me every day to wrestle is the feeling of hard work and that I still have lots to do if I want to reach the goals I have set,” Sly expresses. This commitment extends beyond just winning titles; it’s about continuous growth and improvement.
“What drives me every day to wrestle is the feeling of hard work and that I still have lots to do if I want to reach the goals I have set,”- Bentley Sly
Looking ahead, Sly understands that success at the state level can open doors for opportunities in college wrestling. “It will help me get recruited by more D1 colleges to find the place that fits for me to keep my career going,” Sly explains. He is aware of the competitive nature of the sport, acknowledging that there’s “always someone better than you.” Even with a state title, Sly recognizes the challenges presented by wrestlers at all levels.
He also offers valuable advice to younger wrestlers aspiring to achieve greatness: “Don’t be content with one win, one state title, or one national title. There will always be more for you to achieve, so always work towards the greater goal
As Sly prepares for this weekend's championships, his focus remains untouched. With hard work, mental toughness, and the support of his family and coaches, he is fully ready to take another step toward his goal. The journey for Bentley Sly is just beginning. Each match he faces shows his strong commitment and provides an opportunity to demonstrate that success is a journey, not just a goal. As he prepares for the championship, he wrestles not only for titles but for his passion for the sport and the bright future ahead.