This makes up for it big time. I feel so good for these kids. We didn't think we would get this far this year. We've got eight new starters in the lineup, and they came through big time.

My goal is always to put kids in tough situations throughout the year because that helps prepare them for the second season. We have done that, and now it's time for our guys to go out and get it done. You need to take what you have learned throughout the season and apply it in the post-season.

He's got it down to a 'T' — I wish more guys could do that. He works it just like a double-leg (takedown). It's just bread-and-butter for him.

Hey, do you know what? We're going to win. Plain and simple. We're going to have to step it up a notch. But I'm excited. The kids are excited. We're going down to win. We've seen these teams all year long. That's what has taken us to this point. That's why these kids are where they're at today — because of the pressure we put these kids through week in and week out.

We can't look at the state just yet, though. We need to focus on this sectional. There were some close matches here and it will get even tougher next week.

We knock heads with all of the tough teams around these parts and we obviously locked horns with the best teams from throughout the Suburban Prairie. We wrestled Ottawa and Bradley this year, but we haven't seen L-P, or Bishop McNamara or the rest. That can be good. However, it doesn't mean that our kids can relax. Our kids know it's now do or die. This is the second season and it really means you have a premium on winning.