Two years and two second-place finishes was enough to drive Totino-Grace's Jake Svihel to make some changes.
The junior 120-pounder, an admitted overthinker, decided he needed a little more relaxation in his pre-match routine.
So, when he's fully warmed up, Svihel finds a place to sit and immerse himself in … nothing.
"If I'm worrying about my opponent, I can psych myself out," said Svihel, who advanced to Saturday's semifinals with a 20-8 victory over Robby Horsman of Kasson-Mantorville. "I just like to clear my mind."
Svihel's routine includes working up a brief lather before settling into some soothing music.
He believes his new approach has him primed for a successful final day.
"I'm in a better state mentally," he said. "I just want to be on top of the podium this year."
Feeling fresh
Waiting one day longer than usual to wrestle in the state meet was one of the strangest feelings Simley senior Jake Gliva has had.