After an undefeated season and a first place finish in the conference tournament, the ETHS wrestling team is using this momentum heading into the state tournament.

With the matches starting yesterday, sophomore Ricardo Salinas and seniors Rafael Salinas and Ramin Abraham are competing downstate.

The team finished third as a team in the IHSA regionals and Ricardo, Rafael and Abraham came away with a first place title for their individual weight classes. Seniors Colin Olla-Chatman, Walker Witt and junior Jacob Vice received second place and seniors Dylan Kull and Uylsses Alva placed third place. These wrestlers moved on to sectionals this past weekend.

During the sectional tournament, Abraham earned a first place title, Ricardo and Rafael both placed third, all punching their ticket to state. Olla-Chatman and Kull both qualified as alternates for the tournament as well capturing fifth place in their respective weight classes.

“The stakes are going to raise a lot because people are fighting to keep their season alive and for some of them, this might be the last time they ever wrestle,” Ricardo said.

The state qualifiers are preparing with the same mentality that they have had all season to ensure their success at state.

“We’re just going to keep doing the same thing,” Rafael said. “One of the worst things you can do is change your routine because it will throw you off.”

This three-day tournament, from Feb.14-16 at the University of Illinois, is the last time Rafael and Abraham will suit up for the Kits.