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Ericson Makes History: A Freshman Phenomenon at States
The 2024 high school wrestling season has come to a thrilling conclusion, and among the standout stories is that of Ericson, a rising star who just wrapped up his freshman season with a historic performance at the state tournament. At only 14 years old, Ericson cemented his name in Everglades High School’s history books, becoming their first ninth grader ever to place at states.
Competing at 138 pounds, Ericson entered the state tournament as the 11th seed—a ranking that many might have seen as an uphill battle. But in true warrior fashion, he defied expectations and outperformed his seeding by five places, finishing 6th overall. His journey through the tournament was nothing short of remarkable, demonstrating both grit and growth from his previous year’s showing, where he placed 8th at 113 as an eighth grader.
The jump in weight classes alone was a testament to his physical development and dedication to the sport. Moving from 113 to 138 within a year is no small feat, requiring a significant increase in strength and technique to remain competitive at the higher weight. Yet, Ericson rose to the challenge and thrived against older and more experienced competition.
His state tournament run was filled with electrifying matches, tough battles, and moments that showcased his resilience. Taking on top-tier opponents, he proved that his skill set, determination, and mindset are on par with the best in the state. Each match was a stepping stone, reinforcing his place among the elite wrestlers of Florida.
While finishing 6th at states is already a monumental achievement, this is just the beginning for Ericson. His ability to place higher than his seeding reflects his work ethic and fearless approach to the mat. With three more years ahead of him, the future looks incredibly bright for this young competitor.
Everglades High School now has a freshman state placer to rally behind, and Ericson has set the bar for future generations of wrestlers in the program. As he continues to develop his craft, one thing is certain—he’s only scratching the surface of his potential. If this season was any indication, we can expect even bigger things from Ericson in the years to come.
Stay tuned, because this is just the beginning of a legendary high school wrestling career!
