Maximus effort: This CT wrestler is one of the best in the state and he’s only a sophomore

Maximus Konopka warms up during practice with an assistant coach at Simsbury High School on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (Aaron Flaum/ Hartford Courant)

Maximus Konopka warms up during practice with an assistant coach at Simsbury High School on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (Aaron Flaum/ Hartford Courant)

Maximus Konopka a wrestler for Simsbury High School on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (Aaron Flaum/ Hartford Courant)

Maximus Konopka warms up during practice with an assistant coach at Simsbury High School on Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (Aaron Flaum/ Hartford Courant)

New Haven, CT, 2/24/2024 - Maximus Konopka of Simsbury in control during his match against Brayden Soleau of East Lyme/Norwich Tech during Konopka’s 4-0 win in the 190 lb match at the State Open Wrestling Championship at the Floyd Little Athletic Center. Stan Godlewski/Special to the Courant.

New Haven, CT, 2/24/2024 - Maximus Konopka of Simsbury employs the sprawl during his match against Brayden Soleau of East Lyme/Norwich Tech during Konopka’s 4-0 win in the 190 lb match at the State Open Wrestling Championship at the Floyd Little Athletic Center. Stan Godlewski/Special to the Courant.