Throughout his first season of high school wrestling, Dolores freshman Austin Hackney experienced his fair share of growing pains.
Refusing to become discouraged however, Hackney worked hard throughout the season before breaking through with a fourth-place finish at Regionals on Feb. 14.
Highlighting Hackney's day was his first win of the season over Mancos High School's Rudy Archuleta.
"I wasn't very confident at first because it was my first year," said Hackney. "After I won my first match, I kept trying and I got better."
Hackney said that he plans to remain focused and that he hopes to learn from the state tournament experience.
Hackney (12-14) will open the tournament against Peyton High School's Jack Kelly (24-7) on the afternoon of Feb. 19. If Kelly wins, he will face Monte Vista High School's Moises Juarez (26-15) or Burlington High School's Logan Durham (28-7).
Off the mat
Favorite music: Rock
Favorite TV show: The Walking Dead
Favorite sports team: San Francisco 49ers
Dream job: NFL football player
Influential people: Senior teammates
Historic dining partner: Theodore Roosevelt
Favorite spot: Dunlap Hill