SOLON — There are several “legacy” families in Solon with a tradition of athletics, education, and coaching including the Hadenfeldt’s. For example, since 1977 there has been a Hadenfeldt coaching, playing, or both in Solon.
“My brothers, Adam and Augie, and I all played for my dad and graduated from Solon and are proud to say we’re from Solon,” said Aaron Hadenfeldt. “Our experience here, in both school and athletics, was one that we wouldn’t trade for the world and I enjoyed it so much I decided to make this home.”
Ed Hadenfeldt coached football and wrestling from ’77 until his retirement in 2014. Aaron picked up where Ed left off, coaching football and wrestling since ’14. This year, with the arrival of a baby girl in September, Aaron has decided to just coach wrestling and has taken the top spot in the Spartan wrestling program.
“Technically this is my first year as Head Coach, but with how our staff has been for the past ten years, I think you could say any one of the coaches was the Head Coach — it’s more of a group effort than just one person and that will not change going forward. The kids are first and foremost the most important part of my job and I do what I think is in their best interest — whether they agree with me at the time or not. I’m trying to make better leaders for their future selves, not just for results right now.”
TJ Bevans, in his 17th year with the program, is an assistant coach along with sixth year assistant Jacob Feuerbach. Ryan Osgood is in his fourth year, and JJ Cooper is new to the coaching staff.
Hadenfeldt pointed to three returning athletes as “wrestlers to keep an eye on this year:” senior Braydon Hoffman, junior Lawsin Sinnwell, and sophomore Jordan Schmidt. Hoffman is at 220 pounds and is a returning district qualifier, Sinnwell is at 132 and is a returning 30-match winner, while Schmidt is at 126 and is also a state qualifier.
A trio of freshmen, Kyler Jensen (182), Conlan Poynton (152/160), and Teague Williams (145/152) bear watching as well.
“We will be young but will have a full lineup and will rely on our few seniors in the lineup,” said Hadenfeldt. “The WaMaC is always one of the premier conferences in the state, regardless of class. Mount Vernon and West Delaware return most of their lineup, but we will always fight for the highest spot we can get.”
The Spartans are home four times this season with varsity duals on Thursday, Dec. 22, a triangular Thursday, Jan. 5, the annual Ed Hadenfeldt Invitational Saturday, Jan. 14, and a varsity dual Thursday, Jan. 19.
“Although we will be young, the effort the boys have put in this offseason has the potential to lead to great achievements throughout the year. Wrestling is one of the biggest advocates of a ‘hard work pays off’ mentality and I’m excited to see what happens for the boys this year.”