Hendrickson High wrestler Omar Contreras’ first trip to the region wrestling meet was a memorable one – he earned a trip to state.

Contreras, a junior who competes at 180 pounds, took second at the Region IV meet in San Antonio, earning the right to compete this weekend at the state meet at the Delco Center.

“I was thinking I would place in the top three,” he said. “I knew if I went lower it would be no good.”

In the process Contreras elevated himself to a different wrestling strata. In his third year as a Hawk and his fourth year competing, he can now be considered one of the top grapplers in the state in his weight class.

“It felt really good,” he said. “It was a good accomplishment. I’ve been working for it since freshman year. It finally came.”

Contreras’ wrestling career started when he lived in Dallas. He said the sport was something of a family tradition.

“When I lived in Dallas my brothers got me into it in the eighth grade,” he explained. “I fell in love with the sport and have been doing it ever since.”

Competing in a sport that is the epitome of man against man is something that Contreras relishes. He says he especially enjoys the fact that if he loses, he is the only person he has to answer to.

“I like competing,” he said. “I like individual sports. It’s all about you. You can’t blame anyone if you mess up.”

Having earned a trip to district in both his freshman and sophomore season, Contreras has worked hard and seen his wrestling career grow. He hopes that this hard work will continue to pay off not just this season but well into the future. He is hoping to reach the top six at this year’s state meet and use that finish to springboard to an even more successful season as a senior.

“I’ve improved since the beginning of the season,” he said. “My technique and conditioning are better. I hope to improve next year and finish in the top three at state.”