As students participate in sports throughout their time in high school, many do so with the hopes of competing with the very best. Motivating factors for many students are regional and state titles. These are the type of opportunities many students strive for, the opportunity to show their skill against the very best in their region and state. Wrestlers began the season questioning the likelihood of their season even taking place due to the pandemic and it being a high contact sport.

In the midst of a pandemic, some student athletes simply hoped to be able to play out their season. Despite the obstacles for many athletes, KSHSAA set rules and regulations for schools to follow and in turn the ability to participate in sports was granted. The state wrestling meet took place at Hartman Arena in Park City. Despite spectator amounts being limited at times, athletes were still able to compete at regional and state competitions with some sense of normality. In his second year on the team, sophomore Nicholas Treaster was able to compete in his second consecutive state competition. Something that he considers an honor.

“Overall, I felt my season went well, losing one match at the Tournament of Champions against Missouri State Champ, Brady Roark,” Treaster said. “After that loss I knew I had things to work on and I went straight to the drawing board.”

While Treaster felt like he was in a familiar place as he competed, sophomore Rio Gomez states that he felt out of place in his first ever state championship. 

“I felt out of place because I’m not used to being considered ‘good’ until this year,” Gomez said. “I thought I had a great season because I made first team all-league and only lost seven times.”

Despite the circumstances Gomez and Treaster were able to put forth their best effort and compete for a state championship title. Treaster, in his second season on the high school team was able to win his second consecutive state championship. 

“After winning state I felt like having gone through the rough patch during the season had been worth it,” Treaster said. “My nerves settled in before my finals match, but once the whistle blew all my nerves disappeared.”

While Treaster was able to defend his state title, Gomez was considered a beginner to the whole aspect of state competition. However despite the pressure to do well in his first state competition, Gomez did not get nervous.

“No, I never get nervous before or during a match,” Gomez said. “[But] I probably could have prepared a little bit better, to get a bit more focused before my second match.” 

Both wrestlers and other competitors were able to compete at the highest level during their competition. Despite the problems that a global pandemic causes, student athletes gave their best effort to compete for a title that they had worked their entire season towards. Regardless of the result, Treaster and Gomez were both able to take away positive memories from their season.

“My favorite memory after the match was getting my hand raised and hugging Coach Edgmon for all the help he has done for me,” Treaster said. “In the end, I am so grateful for even being able to have a season and be able to give all the glory to God.”