Work ethic the catalyst for Tangen's solid career

Dickinson High wrestling coach Cody Wolf has a lot to say about senior Pat Tangen.

He praises Tangen's work ethic and leadership while raving about the spectacular improvements he has made throughout his career.

Yet, one of Wolf's compliments about Tangen sticks out from all the others.

"You won't find another one like him," Wolf said.

With what Wolf calls an unparalleled work ethic, Tangen has steadily improved throughout his career.

The 145-pounder heads into the Class A state individual tournament today with a 30-8 record and seeded No. 3 at his weight. Last season, he went 29-16 and placed sixth at 140 pounds.

Getting to this point, Tangen said, has been about commitment to the sport.

"Always, every practice I've went in and had a good attitude about it and had fun," Tangen said. "I always tried to work my hardest every practice and get better each time. I guess all I've done is hope to get to this point. That's what kept me working hard."

Tangen doesn't just stroll down to the wrestling room after school either.

He goes to South Heart High School and is one of handful from the school who wrestle for the Midgets through a cooperative agreement.

Despite going to a different school and living outside of Dickinson, Tangen's teammates view him as a leader largely because of his dedication.

"Pat's a hard worker. He comes into the room every day and busts his butt," Dickinson senior Ryan Yates said. "There's not a day where he takes off, comes in here and slacks. He always goes hard. At tournaments, he's the one pushing everyone else to get better."

While Tangen has had a good career, he faces a tough road to the finals and the possibility of a state championship.

Bismarck High senior Drew Spaulding is seeded No. 1 and is 37-2 overall. Grand Forks Central junior Eric Jones is No. 2 and 24-1 overall.

Wolf isn't putting anything past Tangen though.

"His work ethic is unreal. He just goes and goes and goes," Wolf said. "If there's an injury, he doesn't let you really know about it. He just pushes through it. That's the way it is."

Tangen said he is ready and anxious to get on the mat.

"I hardly sleep now, the thought of it being my last week and working that hard to get there," Tangen said. "One week left to go out there and prove what I've got, it's an exciting feeling."