LEWISTON, ID- Lewiston wrestler Hoyt Hvass clinched his third consecutive class 5A state title.
When he notched a 5-1 decision over his opponent, he described it as a bittersweet moment.
"I was kind of happy to be moving on to college, but also it kind of sucks that I'm not going to be on the same team with these same people anymore," Hvass said.
His decision, however, wasn't any easy one. The North Idaho College committ visited multiple schools prior to his commitment.
"I went down to corban, I went to Eastern Oregon university, and all the way up to Montana State Northern. But, it felt like north Idaho was the right place for me, and I can get a lot more opportunities."
The three- time state champion has experienced countless opportunities in his career.
Hvass started wrestling when he was five years old. He even took his talents overseas to compete at national tournaments.
"I was in a local competition in India, where it was just the nearby people. We wrestled in a mud pit, and it was actually crazy seeing the cultures and it's just completely different over there."
His experiences have also taught him how to prepare for highly intense matches.
"I kind of try to get myself worked up and kind of upset before I wrestle, because it can help me wrestle without me holding back or anything. "
The senior also shares a message to younger and aspiring wrestlers.
"It can teach the mentality that you can always do something no matter what. It doesn't matter what you come across in life or who you're facing in life, it's always achievable. You can always get it done and win and come out on top."