Moore kept patting his teammate on the back as they talked shop and celebrated each others’ accomplishments some more.

Moore capped off a 36-1 season after winning his championship match at 132, while his teammate Martin — in his first trip to state — placed second as a freshman at 144. Martin ended the season at 38-8.

Teammates are proud when their fellow teammates excel, but there’s an extra layer of cohesiveness between Moore and Martin. The two also were practice partners throughout the season, so they had plenty of time to solidify that bond.

Both wrestlers divulged a bit about their conversation after their matches Saturday.

“Keep your head up,” Martin said about what Moore told him later Saturday.

Moore echoed some of Martin’s accounts, adding that he ceiling is high for Martin. Moore was excited about how well Martin performed this year and can’t wait to see what’s in store for the rest of his career.

As for the new state champion, Moore said that he’s been on a year-long mission. One of the top wrestlers in the state in 2022 as a sophomore, Moore stumbled in the semifinals, but bounced back to take third. He used that as motivation for his road back to Salina this season.

Moore took on fellow junior Kohen Wright from Independence in the finals and had some moments when it appeared the THS standout would be runner-up. But Moore got out of those tight spots and eventually pulled away for an 11-4 decision against Wright, who finished the season 38-5.

Moore noted that the key to his success was just staying focused and confident and not let anything get him rattled.

Martin pushed his way to the finals where he faced two-time defending champion Owen Eck from Andale. Martin orchestrated some moves, but Eck eventually got the pin 1:12 into the match. Eck finished the season a perfect 46-0, but Martin will have three more shots at state titles.

“It’s pretty crazy,” Martin said, reflecting back on his run as a freshman. “I’ve worked hard all year.”

Like Moore, he’s looking forward to 2023-24, as THS will return much of its team and will welcome back Tyler Pankey, who was state runner-up a year ago. Pankey injured his knee in football in the season opener in the fall and had to miss the rest of the football season and the wrestling season.

Gabe Bailey, who placed third this season, also will be back as a senior, as another example of why THS could be a favorite to win state against in 2024.

According to Martin, the key will be putting in the hours on the mat in the offseason.

“Stay in the room,” Martin said, referring to the need for mat time in the wrestling room in the coming months.