Certainly feeling relieved was Bears' 182-pound senior Ethen Upton, who, after winning against Sierra Grande High School's Jose Cisneros, moved on to the state semifinals.
After falling behind 4-1 midway through the second period, Upton regained his composure to cut his deficit to 4-3 entering the third period.
Late in the final period, Upton dramatically pulled ahead 7-6 before hanging on to win the match.
Next up for Upton will be a semifinals matchup against Swink High School's Brody Wisemon (31-6).
Valdez and Martinez fall
Standing in stark contrast to Upton's relief was the disappointment of Bears wrestlers Richard Martinez and Deano Valdez.
Martinez lost 9-0 to Fowler High School's Gino DeVore, while Valdez fell to Swink High School's Blake Denton 4-2.
With their losses, both Martinez and Valdez move into the tournament's consolation brackets where they will join Tristan Medina, who won by pin over Marcos Fernandez in the first round of the consolation bracket earlier today.
