SALEM (WSLS 10 SPORTS) - The day has finally arrived. It's like Christmas morning for wrestlers across Virginia, all who come to the Salem Civic Center for the first day of the state tournament. These wrestlers aren't looking for presents, but rather trophies.
"The kids have been waiting all year, we've been in big tournaments but nothing like this. We prepare them everyday, all week long, we've been telling them how many people are going to be here. But the mentality is you just have to survive each round," said Parry McCluer's coach Jeremiah Brockenbrough.
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It's the Fighting Blues' Jarrod Clark's last chance to add a state trophy to the mantle, the senior hopes to put one next to his brother Kainan's, who won in 2011. Jarrod wrapped up his quarterfinal match with a ribbon on top and advanced to the semifinals with a pin.
"That means a lot to me. To be around a kid since he's been an eighth grader and to see he's two matches away from what he's been looking for it pretty exciting," said Brockenbrough.
Two notable teams at the state tournament is up and coming Rural Retreat, who's looking for their third straight team title and of course powerhouse Christiansburg, in the hunt for their 15th straight team title.
There was no coal in Rural Retreat's stocking, they've earned back to back 1A team titles and look to stay on the "good list" this year with a three-peat.
"That's our goal coming in and it's nice. It's a big deal back home in our community so these guys are getting after it and trying to get the job done," explained Retreat's coach Rick Boyd.
Then there is Christiansburg, a 3A state champion year in and year out, working to deck their halls with their 15th straight trophy.
"It is real exciting. It's kind of an ambivalent feeling because you're wondering how the day is going to go but that's what I always tell the kids, don't feel nervous, just tell yourself you're excited and it's kind of how it's going now," said Blue Demons' coach Sonny Close.
But no gifts are opened on Christmas Eve, the finals are set for Saturday.