It’s louder, brighter, and wilder. The air in the gym is filled with an uncomfortable nervousness as crowds begin to gather for the first rounds of the day. The gym feels different at state.

Over the loud intercoms, two names are called, and they step up onto the mat and ready themselves for the whistle.

The opponents shake hands, gripping them as tightly as possible to assert their dominance. Then the whistle blows.

Tennessee High School felt the pressure at state with five wrestlers qualifying this year. Head Coach Josh Shuler guided his team in Franklin, Tennessee, on February 20-21.

This season, Sophomore Nick Carroll qualified in the 120 weight class, along with Aiden Dean, a sophomore in 126, Heath Swaggerty, a junior in 138, junior Spencer Miller, heavyweight, and Senior Max Minor in 150.

After a season full of team and individual victories, THS wrestlers worked hard in preparation for state through a season with many injuries.

“We lost Kalel…anytime we lose a senior is hard, but losing a senior that is capable of qualifying for state, is very tough. We lost Adien Burton as well,” Shuler said. “So we had a lot of injuries, unfortunately, this season, but that is the nature of the beast when it comes to wrestling.”

Even though this season was filled with injury, they finished the season with an impressive dual record of 22 and 3, going 3rd in the region and 4th in the section. Advancing into the postseason, they practiced hard, ate well, and maintained their weight.

“We are reviewing everything, technique-wise, that we’ve done through the whole year [which] is referred to sharpening your tools and not focusing on learning anything new,” Shuler said.

Not only did they work physically, but they also worked mentally, so they could go to state with a focused mindset.

“What we have been preaching in the postseason is focusing on yourself, making yourself as good as you possibly can,” Shuler said.

Each wrestler has a different amount of experience on the mat; for some, it was their first time qualifying.

“If you go out, and [think about being] safe or not losing, you’re [going to] psych yourself out. You’re not gonna do as well,” Swarggerty said. “Wrestling’s a lot of instincts; you can’t go and try to be safe.”

Unlike Swaggerty, Minor focuses on staying composed on the mat, maintaining a focused but instinctive attitude.

“I’m just trying to keep calm. Whatever happens, happens,” Minor said.

Focusing on the present instead of worrying about the outcome is important for wrestlers to stay out of their heads and believe in themselves.

“[I tell] myself I could do it, and that I could win it, and I could place at this tournament,” Carrol said.

Practice and eating well were very important for state, but having a strong mental headspace helps wrestlers in their competition and overall sport.

“I’m just trying to get to the right headspace. Thinking that I’ve already made it to a state. I don’t really need to worry anymore,” Swarggerty said. “It’s my first time going, so I’m really focused on going, having fun.”

After state, wrestler Spencer Miller placed 6th in his weight class.

“The team has been doing well all year, and hopefully we can take [that into account] as we go to state,” Carroll said.

The team is ready for state and are excited for a big win in this postseason.

“I want everybody who goes to [get a] medal to come back with some hardware,” Minor said.