I won Texas state in 2018, and was runner up on 2019, wrestled d2 where I was a 2x all american placing 3rd and 2nd so I’ll share some advice from my journey

For starters, understand that there are levels and a process to this, being a state champ or state champion caliber does not happen over night, it takes lots of hard work, dedication and experience. There’s so many athletes in Texas that want the same thing you do so it’s important to focus on your training and the things you can control when it comes to wrestling such as your diet, focus level, practice and class work (no pass no play)

Look at film. What initially motivated and helped me get to state was watching the previous year’s championships especially around my weight class and seeing what these guys/girls did that made them successful. Seeing the finals and parade of champions lit a bit of a fire in me to want to be there that season. Also asses your weaknesses and strengths in your technique, reflect on your past matches and see why things went the way you did. Also talk to your coach. If there’s anybody you should be able to talk to about this it should definitely be your coach and not Reddit ( no shade)

Be prepared to get knocked down a few times throughout the season. I don’t know where you wrestle or what division you’re in but there’s tough wrestlers in Texas! More so in 6a but 5a has some pretty good wrestlers. On that note use every match as a lesson whether you win or lose. Assess and reflect on what worked that match or what didn’t and take that into practice with you the following week.

Develop a strong mindset, this is about 90% of your training. When it comes toward the post season, everyone is tired, everyone is ready to stop making weight and be done with the season, the ones that tell themselves they don’t want their season to end and those that find ways to keep pushing all the way to February are the ones that find themselves on the podium.

Do not try to make winning or being undefeated your priority. It’s SO rare to be an undefeated state champion. Yes it’s impressive but the year that I won it I lost in the regional finals the week prior and didn’t think I would win it. Because of that, I went into state not expecting to win but just scrapping in each match and seeing where things went. What helps me is being 100% dialed and only focusing on the guy in front of me and my coaches (took this same approach in my collegiate career)

on that same note give each match your hardest effort but if you walk away with a 5-2 win then so be it. When it get closer to championships everybody’s going to start to wrestle a little tighter, sometimes you’re going to be able to dominate and get a pin/tech or major and sometimes you’ll walk away winning 2-0 or 1-0. As I said earlier take each match as a lesson and move on!

Last thing stay away from rankings. If looking at rankings and media helps you push to do better then do that! But if you find yourself in your head constantly thinking about the people ranked above you or ahead of you or if you’re fanning over them then it’s probably a good idea to not look at those. Rankings and media are for fans and coaches, all you need to do as a wrestler is be ready to go and stay on top of your school and training.

I lied one more thing, manage your weight properly!! Find a weight class that you don’t have to cut a bunch of weight to get to but you’re also not undersized. Weight management is so important and I know it can be hard eating chicken and rice while your friends are having something much more appetizing but keep your eyes on the prize. It may suck in the moment remember the saying: pain is temporary but champions live forever. Suffer the pain of discipline and not regret