The Manhattan High wrestling team walked into Saturday’s regionals as the number one ranked 6A team in the state and came out narrowly beaten by rival Garden City to end as regional runner-ups and second in their region.

“We wrestled good at regionals but our goal was not accomplished so we’re going back to the drawing board,” senior Mason Wallace said. “We’re fixing some things we have to get right to beat Garden City and I think we’re set up pretty well. Our goal is to beat them.”

Three of Manhattan’s wrestlers were able to capture a first place finish in the way of seniors Wallace, Eldon Picou, and junior Jalen Harper but the result would not be able to produce the 1.5 points for the Indians to surpass Garden City.

“A lot of us could’ve had chances in our matches to extend the lead to a major decision which gives up extra points or not getting pinned stuff like that,” Harper said.

Among other standouts in Manhattan’s tournament performance were seniors Joe Braun, Chance Henderson, Zephry Killham and Devin Norris, who all finished above fifth in their division and provided MHS key points to achieve their finish. Underclassmen such as junior Abraham Sanchez and sophomore Bubba Wilson also achieved top five finishes in their respective brackets.

“I feel like I’m competing more and scoring team points and finding ways to win matches,” Henderson said

Manhattan’s next step is the one they’ve been talking about since the season started. State is next week and for many it is the last opportunity to grant themselves the name of state champions.

“It’s definitely sinking in lately that most of us have been wrestling together since we were three and four looking for this goal,” Henderson said. “We grew up watching my brother’s team and the high school team at the time winning state. We’ve had that goal since we were four.”

For all the seniors on the team, including two-time state champion Wallace, state will be the last time they wrestle for Manhattan.

“Wrestling for my school means the world to me,” Wallace said. “I’ve been watching the Manhattan Indians since I was four. I’ve watched them win already two state championship and that’s all I’ve ever wanted to do was win a state title. I’ve already won two individuals state titles but the end goal is to win another one.”

MHS will look to gain their first state title since 2013.

“We want a team title,” Harper said. “For the team I hope we are all competing at our higher potential. I know there is a lot of guys who have the potential to place. I hope we wrestle our best, I hope everyone in the state wrestles their best. I want the best one to win.”

The Indians will compete at state on Friday and Saturday.