STATE CHAMP

Standing, flexing his biceps and pointing to his home crowd, Peyton Robb claimed his place among Minnesota state champions. 
In the Section 1AAA tournament, Victor Gliva defeated Robb in a 5-2 decision. In the state championship round, the two faced each other again, but Robb made it clear that this time would be different. 
“Going into the tournament, my main goal was to make it to the final,” said Robb. “Once I got there, I was okay with whichever place.”
However, once Robb realized who his opponent in the final bout would be, his mindset changed. 
“My thought was, I’ll let him have sections. I’ll take the next one,” said Robb. 
Robb made quick work of the bout and largely commanded the match. Scoring two points off a nearly-immediate takedown, Robb never looked back. Leading 9-3 going into the third period, Robb found himself on his back only momentarily before quickly scoring two more points on a reversal to build the lead to 11-5.
Regaining control, Robb would not allow Gliva another point.  
“I’d been wrestling Victor more defensively, and it wasn’t working well,” Robb said of his past bouts with Gliva. “I went more offensive this time - in attack mode.”
Attack mode paid off, as Robb took a commanding 15-2 lead as the timer struck all zeros. 
For Robb, the win culminated a season of hard work and dedication. 
“I knew all the work during the season had paid off,” said Robb, recalling the feeling of victory. “I knew all the extra work I put in made a difference.”
For Owatonna Coach Cliff Casteel, Robb’s state title was well deserved.
“Peyton is a very talented young man,” said Casteel. “He’s smart, dedicated, and possesses an outstanding work ethic.”  
Casteel added that winning a state title is no easy task, noting Robb’s excellent mindset going into each state bout. “He stayed focused and set the tone in each of his individual matches throughout the tournament.”
By setting the tone, Robb made it clear to his opponents that he was in it to win it, claiming large-margin victories the entire weekend. In his first bout, Robb won a 13-1 decision against Dylan Droegemueller of Champlin Park. His second matchup was nearly identical, as he commanded a 15-2 decision over Zac Spohn of Sauk Rapids-Rice. 
On Saturday morning, Robb faced his closest match against Aaron Cashman of Mound Westonka, winning the semi-final bout with a 7-4 decision. 
Though stoic upon receiving his medal, fans called out to Robb from the stands that it was okay to smile, and even Robb cracked a bit of a grin. 
Last season, both Robb and Gliva competed at the state tournament, but neither won a match. 
Robb helped Owatonna claim its 23rd state wrestling title, the first since 189-pound Dalton Henderson in 2010. 
As a freshman, Robb will potentially have three more oppoortunities to compete at the state high school tournament and Casteel is thrilled for what this young man will bring to the table for years to come.