On Feb. 21 nine FHS wrestlers competed at the WPIAL tournament where three wrestlers qualified to move on to compete at the regional tournament. These wrestlers included: Junior Levi Bonzo and Sophomores Kody Komara and Dean Ward. Bonzo and Ward both took sixth place at the tournament and Komara took third.

Taking place on Feb. 28, these three boys competed for a place at the state competition. In order to make it to the next level, the wrestlers had to make it into the top six. Komara was the only one to place, taking third, which allowed him to move.

Accompanied by some of his closest friends and family along with his coaches, Komara traveled to Hershey, Pa. where the competition took place.The tournament took place from Mar. 5-7.

The top eight wrestlers to place would receive a state title. Winning his first match 2-1, Komara moved on to the quarterfinals.

“After I won my first match I felt a sigh of relief and wasn’t as nervous,” Komara said. “I was just ready to chase a medal.”

The next day, he wrestled four times. Having lost his first match at the buzzer, he had another chance to redeem himself. Winning his second match that day guaranteed him a place.

Komara then won his third match, meaning he was guaranteed a spot in the top six. The final match of the day turned out to be a little more of a challenge for Komara. After a tough fight, he lost this match.

The next day Komara was scheduled to wrestle his last match of the tournament. Winning this meant he would get fifth place overall and if he lost he would receive sixth place. Because of his hard work and determination to win, Komara took home fifth place at the state level.

Winning this title, Komara became only the second sophomore in Freedom Wrestling history to place at states.

Becoming a skillful wrestler takes a great deal of time and effort. Wrestlers need to have the determination and mindset that they can win and show no signs of weakness.

“The only way to become a great wrestler is to give your 100 percent every second of practice and go as hard as you possibly can every time,” Freshman Michael Keith said. The hard work doesn’t stop when the season ends.

“I go to extra practices and really push myself everyday. I have in my mind that I want to be the best and that’s what I’m trying to do,” Komara said.

Even though Komara was the only Freedom wrestler to make it as far as states, the whole team put in a lot of work this season.

“This year we had a lot of natural talent and many leaders that urged us to work really hard,” Keith said.

It takes a tremendous amount of dedication and skill just to make it to a state competition, let alone take fifth place.

“My mindset is gold or not good enough, but I am obviously very proud and feel accomplished,” Komara said.