Kenai wrestler accrues another award

As if winning a state wrestling championship and state MVP wasn’t enough, Kenai Central’s Paul Steffensen has now added one more accolade — AKMat’s Wrestler of the Year.

The 5-foot-5 freshman was presented with the honor during Kenai’s recent year-end awards banquet, becoming the first Kenai wrestler to take home the golden pan trophy that has been given out for over 10 years now.

“It’s really cool,” Steffensen said by phone.

Steffensen, who displays a very humble personality, said he does not like to rank awards. But he did mention it’s among some of his top accomplishments.

“It’s up there, and it’s cool to be the first Kenai kid to get it,” he said. “It’s definitely a little tougher when you’re younger, but I don’t think age matters a whole lot (in the sport).”

The award is decided by local coaches and wrestling experts from around the state, and given to the top high school grappler. Paul’s father and coach Stan Steffensen said he and Paul were presented with the award just days before the Kenai banquet, but only had time to take a quick photo that was posted on the AKMat website.

Once Paul was acknowledged as the wrestler of the year at the banquet, however, it made the moment all the more special.

“It’s quite an honor,” Stan said. “The thing I really liked about it was I think our Kenai kids realized how much they contributed. They made it to the next level. It’s not their thing, it’s a team thing.”

Steffensen put together an unbeaten 36-0 season as a freshman and capped it off with a state championship at the 126-pound level — all with pins.

“Coaches and wrestling people, they said Paul was the man,” Stan said.

Even though the high school wrestling season is finished, Paul is still going strong, as he is competing at the USA freestyle tournament this weekend at Nikiski High School. Over 500 competitors are expected to wrestle.

More in Sports

Ninilchik's Kade McCorison moves to shoot over attempted blocks by Aniak's William and Troy Morgan during a basketball game at Ninilchik School in Ninilchik, Alaska, on Wednesday, Feb. 14, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Ninilchik’s Kade McCorison, CIA’s Ian McGarry make all-state first teams

The Alaska Association of Basketball Coaches sent out its all-state basketball teams… Continue reading

Roope Tuomioksa of the Kenai River Brown Bears attacks Payton Nelson and goalie Nick Erickson of the Minnesota Wilderness on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Jeff Helminiak/Peninsula Clarion)
Saturday: Brown Bears finish sweep of Wilderness

The Kenai River Brown Bears completed a two-game sweep of the Minnesota… Continue reading

tease
Friday: Brown Bears win 2nd straight

The Kenai River Brown Bears defeated the Minnesota Wilderness 4-1 on Friday… Continue reading

tease
Friday: Seward boys fall to Barrow in 4th-place game

The Seward boys basketball team lost the fourth-place game 66-42 to Barrow… Continue reading

Me working in the Alaska House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 in Juneau, Alaska. (Mark Sabbatini/Juneau Empire)
Out of the Office: Juneau

It was kind of happenstance that I spent the last month living… Continue reading

Greg Fallon, Kenai, receives his gold medal for his team’s 4x400m relay 2005 or later mix effort from Mat-Su Borough Mayor Edna DeVries. (J. David McChesney/Frontiersman)
Peninsula athletes compete, win at Arctic Winter Games

23 athletes from the Kenai Peninsula, representing Kenai, Soldotna, Nikiski, Sterling and Homer, brought home 31 Ulus

tease
Thursday: Seward boys hold off Houston to make 4th-place game

The Seward boys basketball team defeated Houston 51-43 on Thursday to advance… Continue reading

tease
Thursday: Sitka girls knock Homer from Class 3A state tourney

The Homer girls basketball team was eliminated from the Class 3A state… Continue reading

tease
Wednesday: Grace Christian defeats Seward in 1st round

The No. 3-seeded Grace Christian boys basketball team defeated No. 6 Seward… Continue reading

Most Read