By Don Ketchum

Senior Nick Rana represents the end of an era of sorts at Scottsdale Desert Mountain High.

According to Desert Mountain wrestling coach Chris Fredericks, there has been a Rana participating in the football and/or wrestling programs since 1998. Nick Rana is the last of four boys, three of whom wrestled, and he might be the best of all.

Entering the week of Monday, Jan. 10, Rana had a 15-3 record wrestling at 152 pounds. He has wrestled on the varsity for three seasons, and has been a running back and linebacker on the Wolves’ football team.

“He comes from a great family,’’ Fredericks said.

“He has that toughness, mentally and physically, and has a strong work ethic. It shows in his wrestling.’’

Rana said he enjoyed playing football, in part because it helped to increase his strength, but likes wrestling even more.

“It’s a lot better than the others (sports), a lot more fun,’’ he said.

He belives he is a better overall wrestler.

“And I’m in better shape than I’ve ever been,’’ he said.

Rana wrestled at one weight class higher last season and finished sixth at the state meet, but this year feels comfortable at 152. He finished second to Tucson Sunnyside star Kory DeBerry in both the (Tempe) McClintock and the (Glendale) Deer Valley holiday tournaments.

“That gives me a goal to shoot for. I have to figure out how I can beat him,’’ Rana said.

During most of his matches, Rana said he prefers to try and get as many points early, therefore forcing his opponent to do some things he might not feel comfortable with to get back into contention.

Being the youngest of four brothers also helped Rana toughen up.

“I started wrestling against them and I just liked it and stuck with it,’’ he said.

Rana is succeeding in the classroom. He said his grade-point average is around 3.5.

What lies ahead for Rana after he leaves Desert Mountain? Will he wrestle in college or does he have something else in mind?

The answer is something else, and that would be joining the Navy.

“I could go through the ranks and learn a lot about being disciplined, achieving your goals, maybe travel some. I think it will be exciting,’’ Rana said.

He will carry is family’s banner proudly.