A family legacy
Gast aims to medal for Durant
By Kristi Nixon
DES MOINES — Ethan Gast wants to keep the wrestling legacy in his family going.
The Durant senior 126-pounder is following in the footsteps of his great-grandfather, Dick, an Osage state champion in 1940; his grandfather Bruce, who won a state title in 1969 and his father, Ben, qualified for state in 1992. His uncle Matt also wrestled.
“I know my grandparents and great-grandparents were into the sport,” Ethan said. “My aunt and uncle, too. I’m continuing the legacy, though not in Osage. I’m trying to build something in Durant. It means a lot to be a part of this family.
“I want to take it a step up and legacy of being on the podium. My cousin, Max, a sophomore. He’s looking really good and should finish at the top of the podium by senior year. A new legacy of being at the top of the podium would be great.”
E. Gast lost his first round match to Don Bosco’s Kyler Knaack by 6-2 decision, but stayed alive on the back side with a 6-0 decision over Ethan Egil of Manson Northwest Webster.
He does spend some time north each year.
“I haven’t spent as much time as I would like in Osage, maybe three weeks out of the year,” Gast said. “I love seeing my family and love talking about wrestling when I’m with them, getting their advice. My grandpa texts me before every match, tournament and he gives me words of advice and it means a lot to me.”
He and Max have wrestled a little in the past, but not so much now that their weights are no longer as close as they used to be.
“In the living room, yeah, we’ll scrap a little bit,” Ethan said of he and Max. “It’s nothing too serious, just playing. We used to do a lot more when we were younger, but I’m afraid he can beat me now, so I’m not going to challenge him.”
A state qualifier as a junior, E. Gast has already surpassed last year, winning a match after going 0-2 in 2020-21.
“Honestly, I’d just like to thank my family for being so supportive and helping me get here,” he said. “And, good luck to Max, I know he can win one.”
