This past weekend,  the wrestlers went to state and junior Jackson Berck won the state championship for the 195-pound weight class. Berck is the seventh student in school history to win a wrestling state championship.

According to junior Dylan Gillette, Berck’s win was a surprise well deserved. Berck’s time and hard work in the practice paid off in the end.

“Jackson surprised me by winning state. I knew that he would place top three but then he won his semifinals match,” Gillette said. “I was really happy for him, I know how hard he worked because I was his practice partner all year and he really deserved it.”

Senior Bryce Bachowski shared Gillette’s joy in seeing someone close to him win such a big honor, especially since it was unexpected.

“I was really proud of Jackson. He wasn’t really supposed to win state but, you know, he pulled through. He did everything he was supposed to and it was really cool seeing one of my best friends win state.” Backowski said.

According to Berck, his win was not possible without the support of family and friends and coaches.

“Trent, Micah, Nathan, all my friends were there and all the coaches and my parents, they were all there supporting me throughout the season and there in Columbia for the last match,” Berck said. “Winning was the best feeling ever and they were there for it.”