Corley commits to Dickinson

Sonja Karp
NLJ Sports Reporter
 
Following a successful high school career as a Dogie wrestler, Kale Corley has signed his name on the dotted line to take it a step further and become a collegiate wrestler.
He will change out the orange and black for the blue and white as he suits up for the Bluehawks of Dickinson State University next year.
“I actually got a call from an assistant coach at the beginning of December, and we started talking,” Corley began. “Then in January, my folks and I went up to visit, and after talking with them and touring the facility, I decided that I wanted to wrestle there.”
Corley admitted that Dickinson State had not been on his radar for postsecondary possibilities, however, schools he had reached out to hadn’t responded, and after seeing what the university had to offer, it seemed like a good fit.
“I toured the campus all day, and then I got to practice with them in the afternoon,” Corley explained. “I really liked the atmosphere because it has a small-town, home feel to it and the coaches are really nice, and I liked the energy of the room.”
Corley is making his decision based on 14 years of experience on the mat having first begun his wrestling career at the tender age of 4, then honing his craft to claim two 3A East Regional Championship titles, two 3A State Championship titles, as well as a second and third place at both the regional and state tournaments throughout his four years in high school.
In addition, Corley didn’t limit himself to just high school sanctioned events, but also AAU and USA competitions as well. Right after the state meet, Corley earned his way into junior state, which is a high school opportunity for wrestlers across the state where freestyle and Greco forms of wrestling are utilized. The combined Wyoming team would travel to North Dakota to compete as well as taking their talents overseas for tournaments as well.
In 2020 Corley had earned a spot on the Wyoming team to travel to Greece for two weeks of international wrestling tournaments. COVID-19 caused that trip to be cancelled, however all of those invited to go last year were extended another invite for the summer of 2021, so he is looking forward to making the trip.
“I’m really happy that I still get the opportunity to do this,” Corley said. “My brother got to go to Bulgaria when he was a junior and he had a blast, so I can’t wait to experience it as well. Besides wrestling we also get to go to Athens and Crete and take a night ferry to a couple of the islands, so I’m really excited.”
Having spent so much time committed to one sport can present the risk that one may become burned out, however Corley is far from reaching that point and declared that he is looking forward to more years on the mat. 
Competing in organized events this summer will bode well for Corley as he works to prepare for ramping up the intensity required of collegiate training. He has already received a workout plan for the spring and summer from his coaches, and will be allowed a minute to acclimate himself to college life before beginning team pre-season weight training and conditioning.
“Last week they emailed me a workout schedule and then they give us a week to settle in when we get there,” Corley began. “Then we will work out as a team, but won’t get on the mat until December or so to try to avoid guys getting hurt or worn out before the season actually starts.”
At this time, Corley plans to major in business at DSU, in addition to wrestling, and is aware that doing both school and a collegiate sport will require dedication and commitment to both, but he is excited to take on the challenges that each will bring.
“I’ve always wanted to compete at the collegiate level because it’s a big step up,” Corley grinned. “After looking around, I’m excited to give it a try and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”