Edwardsville wrestling caps off a successful weekend and will send three wrestlers to Champaign for state.

Junior Noah Surtin, who is committed to Mizzou for wrestling, finished first in the 113 pound weight class, along with sophomore Luke Odom in the 126 pound weight class. Junior Josh Anderson finished second for the 220 pound weight class.

“I thought the team did well at sectionals,” said assistant coach Kevin Matarelli, who is subbing as head for coach for Jon Wagner while he recovers from surgery. “We have an extremely young team this season and exposure to tournaments like sectionals will prepare the boys for what looks like a bright future for Tiger wrestling.”

Last year the Tigers placed four people at sectionals including Surtin who placed second, and Odom who placed first. At state, Surtin finished fifth and Odom placed third, but this year the two hope to place higher.

“I’ve worked just as hard if not harder than anyone else,” Surtin said. “I know I have the capabilities. I just need to go out and perform.”

Over the summer Surtin finished first at the Fargo Freestyle and Greco National Tournament and has gained a lot of experience.

“I think (winning nationals) changed everything,” Surtin said. “That gave me a new level of confidence that I bring to every match I’m in.

The state tournament will be held Thursday Feb. 15 through Saturday Feb. 17 at the State Farm Center.

Coach Matarelli said the three young men competing this weekend are physically and mentally prepared, and that their training should pay off.

“I believe we could have our first two state champions in Noah Surtin and Luke Odom,” he said. “But our state tournament is no joke and they both know it’s not going to be easy.”