After advancing to the regional as a freshman two seasons ago, Bishop Chatard wrestler Mike Dum had high hopes for his sophomore year. And he was successful, winning 90 percent of his matches.

But that success was abbreviated. A thumb injury kept Dum out the early part of the season, and after a successful return that produced a 9-1 record, Dum had to deal with bone chips and torn ligaments in his elbow, which sidelined him for the remainder of the year.

"It was frustrating," Dum said. "After being out earlier in the season, things went pretty well when I came back. I beat some pretty good kids. After I got injured again and watched the state tournament, I saw some of the kids who I'd beaten advance to state."

Dum still isn't 100 percent healthy. He sprained his ankle playing linebacker for Chatard's Class 3A state-championship team and didn't start practicing with the wrestling team until 10 days ago. But that didn't stop him from winning the 189-pound City crown last Saturday, nor has it stopped him from earning a No. 10 state ranking -- though it's at 160 pounds, rather than the 189 he'll wrestle this year.

Moving up two weight classes from 160 pounds has been a bit of an adjustment for Dum, who weighs 182 pounds.

"It's a different style of wrestling. It has a lot more to do with strength."

Bishop Chatard coach Thomas Collins said Dum's speed is among the wrestler's strongest attributes.

"His confidence has improved a lot, and I think that goes with being an upperclassman rather than being an underclassman," Collins said. "And he's got great quickness and tremendous agility."

"Mentally is where I've improved the most, and a lot of that comes from the success we've had as a team in football," Dum said.

Dum has set lofty goals for himself since his freshman year. But after battling the injuries a year ago, he's not getting too far ahead of himself.

"My goal has always been to go to state," he said. "But right now I'm just taking it one step at a time."