While Grieder had beaten Marc Backus of Canyon Randall once before this season, anything can happen in wrestling, especially in the state gold medal round.

Besides it being the gold medal match, Grieder's injury in the semi-final round raised some doubts as to his stamina.

However, those doubts were quickly put to rest as it took Grieder all of five seconds to go up 2-0 against Backus after scoring on a quick take down. Grieder scored again before the end of the 1st period on a near fall and went up 4-0.

Both wrestlers scored on escapes in the 2nd period, bringing the score to 5-1 heading into the third and final period of the match.

Two minutes is all that stood between Greider and his gold medal. That is, two minutes and a determined opponent. It was evident early on the third that Backus had a lot of gas left his tank and wasn't going down without a fight.

With 1:06 remaining in the match, Backus scored on a release and then again on a take down. Grieder led by only one point, 5-4, with :32 remaining. While Backus fought hard to get back into the match, Grieder was able score again and win the match, 6-4.

Mission accomplished.

Grieder is now one of only four Wildcat wrestlers to win gold at the state tournament. The win not only secured a gold medal for Grieder but also pushes his overall season record to 59-0.

He finishes his high school career with an eye-opening 192 total wins.

I caught up with Grieder right before the awards ceremony to ask him about going undefeated and winning the gold.

"Going undefeated was my goal for the season," said Grieder. "We've had state champs before, but no one has gone undefeated and won the state title. This is really a blessing, and I'm really thankful to be here."

On having his Dad mat-side with him for the big win, Grieder was especially thankful. "He's always been there by my side. He's always been very supportive of me."

"It's great to have him here right now, and I'm glad he got to experience this with me."

Two other 'Cats were looking to bring home medals from the state tournament, as well. Both Isaac Kinsella and Ebrima Njie had a shot at 3rd place and a bronze medal heading into the final matches of their careers.

Unfortunately, both wrestlers were injured in their consolation semi-final matches, which handicapped them for the finals. Kinsella had what appeared to be a separated shoulder, while Njie sprained his knee.

Both wrestlers fought to the bitter end and came up just short of a bronze.

For a full update on the Kinsella and Njie matches, see the LHT Quick Hits. Additional tournament photos of the action will also be loaded later today.

Congratulations to all the LH wrestlers on their hard-fought accomplishments at the state tournament!

GO 'CATS!