Wrestling had always been my passion growing up and I was damn good at it. Being a three-time all-state performer I went into my Senior year of high school in peak physical and mental performance ready to finally win that championship.
Throughout my time in high school, I had a bit of cross-town rivalry with Kevin Erickson. He was a broad-shouldered, athletic three-time state champion that I had gained momentum on over the years. He began wrestling when he was younger and I only began my freshman year of high school.
We had shifted weight classes until Senior year and our bout was all but certain for the state championship. We both forfeited our final bouts at the seeding tournament for State to ensure that we could reach each other the following week.
The next Friday came around and we won our first matches to enter into the quarter-finals. Since we were through to the next round that was it for us that night.
I had a lower seed, so my match was up first on Saturday. I forced my entry into the semi-finals through a second-period win by pinfall. Kevin won by a two-point decision and gained his way to the next round. His eyes met mine in the crowd. I could tell he was gassed.