No moment is too big for Trent Hidlay
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LEWISTOWN - North Carolina State junior and former Mifflin County state champion Trent Hidlay has an all-consuming obsession with the sport of wrestling.
His work ethic, dedication, and passion to be the best in his craft drives him to train harder to achieve the lofty goals he set.
Hidlay owns many victories and trophies, but the test of a true champion is how you manage the defeats and the setbacks that always come on the way to your dreams.
Like everything else in his illustrious career, Hidlay passed the test with honors.
Hidlay reached the finals of the U23 World Championships in Pontevedra, Spain, on Sunday only to come up short, dropping a 3-3 criteria decision to Tatsuya Shirai of Japan at 86kg for the title.
So close to a world championship. Only a breakdown in defense in the second period gave Shirai the gold.
As expected, the three-time NCAA all-American dealt with the loss as winners do. Through the pain, find a positive.
"I'm disappointed in myself for not capitalizing on the opportunity to win a world title. I put myself in a great position to win but failed to execute. I wrestled well in my matches but made mistakes in the finals that cost me in the end," Hidlay said. "It is frustrating to get so close to your dreams and fall short. Although it's hard to see it as a success, I know that I have improved, and the only thing I can do is get back to work and focus on getting better."
In the finals, Hidlay came out with his patented underhook. He almost caught the Japanese wrestler off-balance for a takedown, but still held a 2-0 lead on a step-out and passivity point. Shirai never locked up with Hidlay for the rest of the match.
Down 2-1 after the first period, Shirai, small in stature but thick as a tree trunk in the lower body, found an opening with a high crotch to a single leg to score the lone takedown with two minutes left in the match.
Shirai kept hand-fighting and standing his ground to avoid Hidlay's attacks. A warning by the referee for passivity gave Trent the point to even things up with seven seconds left. Still, the Shirai takedown gave him the victory in criteria.
Shirai became the first Japanese wrestler to win a world title at 80kg or above in any age group.
"My opponent in the finals was a little bit shorter than the other guys I wrestled and very strong, which presented a different challenge to score. He held position well and fended off all the shots I took late in the match," Hidlay said. "It was frustrating not being able to get to the positions I wanted to. That will be something I need to work on and adjust to in my wrestling. Being able to score and get to my offense against guys that hold position well."
The tournament was extra special for Trent because his older brother and former Wolfpack standout Hayden Hidlay served as his coach. Who better to coach you than your brother?
"It was cool having Hayden in my corner for the tournament. It was a good experience for both of us. He did an excellent job making sure I had everything I needed and helping me adjust during my matches," Trent said. "He understands my style, so it's helpful to have him give me tips on what to look for and what I can do differently before, during, and after my matches."
Being with family and visiting different countries are fringe benefits of being a world-class athlete. Hidlay is quick to acknowledge his gratitude.
"It was a fun experience being able to compete overseas and see Spain for the first time. My mom and dad also traveled there, so it was awesome to spend time with them and experience the culture and food of a different country. I came up short in the finals match, but I'm grateful for the places wrestling has taken me," Hidlay said.
What makes Hidlay one of the top wrestlers in the world is his short-term memory after a loss. He can put setbacks behind him, learn from them, and focus on the next moment, the next challenge, and the next goal. Now the objective in his sights is an NCAA championship. Hidlay begins the season ranked third in the country at 184 pounds.
"Competing internationally provides great challenges, and you must be flexible in your preparation. I learn a lot about myself and my wrestling each time I compete. This was another heartbreaking tournament, but I know I will be better for it. The pain I feel now will be worth it in the long run," Hidlay said. "It will be a quick turnaround as we start our season with a dual meet on November 4th, so I'm moving on and focusing on the NCAA season. I'm thankful for the support I get and the love I receive from my family and the community. It helps keep things in perspective for me. I know they are proud of me, win or lose."
And no matter what happens this collegiate season, or for the rest of his wrestling career, win or lose, Trent Hidlay is, and always will be, a champion.