Saturday’s Upstate Eight Conference title match loss to lower-seeded Anthony Touchstone of Waubonsie Valley didn’t dim Wes Pasholk’s view of his season to date. Really, the St. Charles North senior “can’t complain about anything” after starting 23-4 at 220 pounds.

“I feel loose this year, like I’m actually able to open up and do stuff. I’m actually in there in close matches with really good guys,” Pasholk said. “I have confidence this year, finally.”

Pasholk started the climb by advancing to sectionals last season, and hopes an accelerated offseason training program can help propel him to the state tournament this winter. A three-sport athlete at North – he’s a two-way lineman during football season and plays club rugby during the spring – Pasholk figures this is his final wrestling stretch run, so why not make it count.