by Caanan Freeman | Staff writer

Once again, two Johnson wrestlers are state bound. After another outstanding season, the Jags proved to be a powerhouse in district.

“Practice is key for these athletes to succeed in state. They have to work hard on their technique as well as there strength,” Coach Miguel Avila said.

Senior Ryan Noland has earned a state spot for the second straight year, after a great run in the regional tournament. The other spot belongs to Ashley McCutcheon, the only Johnson female wrestler. McCutcheon beat out her Madison opponent earlier this season to secure her spot in state.

“I just had to focus extremely hard in the weeks leading up to regionals and districts in order to get the payoff of making state once again,” Noland said.

Since this is the second consecutive year Noland will be attending state, he is well aware of the pressure it brings.  After last year’s loss, he is motivated to do his best and represent Johnson well on Friday and Saturday.

“One of my goals was to get less then ten losses. I’ve done that, and I wrestled a lot smarter then last year, by making fewer mistakes and hoped that these goals would pay off and I would be able to make it to state,” Noland said