Hartselle’s David Dunford was the state runner-up in the 132-pound weight class, but he wants to be the champion this year. | Clif Knight

Hartselle’s David Dunford has a dream that won’t go away. The Hartselle High School junior wants to win a class 6A state title in the 132-pound weight class.

Dunford came close to reaching his goal as a sophomore. He compiled a 44-15 record and reached the finals before losing to a graduating senior.

“Coming that close has made me work harder than ever,” Dunford said. “I have been able to keep my weight at 132 pounds and stay healthy.

Dunford began wrestling competitively at age five. In the off-season, he trains with a private coach at the Take Down Academy in Huntsville.

“He has a passion for the sport, is very competitive and is one of the leaders of our team,” said Matt Watson, Hartselle High head wrestling coach. “He has become very skillful on the mat and probably has more moves than I ever knew when I was wrestling at the high school level.”

Watson said Dunford is a good role model for younger wrestlers who have high goals and are willing to work hard to achieve them.

“It’s amazing that he is wrestling at the same weight he was at this time a year ago,” Watson pointed out. “He takes the sport seriously and the amount of work he devotes to it is a testament to what someone can achieve if they work hard every day to improve.”

Dunford expressed mixed emotions about his performance so far this season. His record is 39-8 after competing in the Grissom Sportsmet Duals Jan. 17.

“Some parts of the season have been good,” Dunford said, “but other parts call for more work to be done.”

“I’m blessed to have good coaches and Logan Smith (138 pounds) as my practice partner,” Dunford pointed out. “He gives me a run for my money. We go back and forth every time we get together on the mat.”

Three of Dunford’s losses this season have been to the same class 6A wrestler.

“We’ll probably face each other again in the post season,” Duford said. “My job is to be at the peak of my ability when that happens.”

Dunford is the son of Melissa Dunford of Decatur and Dave Dunford of Hartselle.