Andrew Howe doesn't like rewind buttons. He knows looking back isn't the way to go. Here and now is his world, and he's doing everything he can to stay focused, work hard and stay positive.
Sure, the way things ended last season ate at him for a while, but he's moved on and is focused on the job at hand.
That starts Thursday in Omaha, Neb., where the University of Wisconsin sophomore and nation's top-seeded 165-pounder returns to make up for a missed opportunity. Last year at this time, the freshman was shaking his head after losing a 3-2 thriller to Edinboro fifth-year senior Jarrod King in the NCAA championship match at 165 in St. Louis.
This year, he's ready for some redemption and a shot at glory.
"Losing in the finals is something you never forget; you never forget what that feels like," Howe said. "It drove me crazy and got that fire burning in me. The only thing I know is I don't want to experience that again."
If Howe has his way -- and his dominating 32-0 record backs it up -- he's ready for all comers.
"I feel really confident," said Howe, the 2009 Big Ten Freshman of the Year. "I expect to win. I'm more aggressive and a lot more confident in my offense this year. Last year I would get a lead and sit on it a little bit. Now I look to build my lead and score more points. It's definitely been a lot easier the second time around."
Last year, Howe came in with the No. 2 seed and lived up to the billing. He won four straight matches -- outscoring opponents 20-7, giving up just one takedown -- going into the finals. He headed to the championship bout on a 19-match winning streak, but ended up on the losing end despite being the more aggressive wrestler throughout. The last time he lost with a title on the line was his freshman year at Hanover Central at the state meet.
That's why Howe is going into action with a chip on his shoulder and total focus on the grand prize. Once again, looking forward, never back.
"I want one this year so bad," Howe said. "I don't want to wait, because tomorrow is never guaranteed. You never know what can happen so I've got to get it done now."
COLLEGE WRESTLING
NCAA Wrestling Championships
When: Thursday through Saturday. Finals are at 6:30 p.m. Saturday.
Where: Qwest Center, Omaha, Neb.
TV: ESPNU (cable) for Friday night, Saturday morning. ESPN (cable) for Saturday night finals.
Fast facts: IU's Angel Escobedo (Griffith) and Wisconsin's Andrew Howe (Hanover Central) are a combined 65-0. Both are No. 1 seeds (Escobedo, 125 pounds), Howe (165) in the tournament. Escobedo was the 2008 national champion at 125 pounds -- the first wrestler from Northwest Indiana to accomplish the feat in 69 years. The area has never had two national champions in the same season.
