Freshman Jamal Hicks wrestled at the Giant Center in Hershey for the Pennsylvania Junior Wrestling (PJW) State Championships on February 28-29.

Hicks, with a record of 38-13, was seeded 19th in a 43 man bracket at 112 pounds.

“At first, it was a little intimidating but I was told to keep my head high and don’t be afraid,” said Hicks.

Hicks took that advice to heart, as he took 2nd place in both the Area 2 Sectional and Area 2 State Qualifier matches.

Hicks went 3-2 at states, losing only his first opponent who took second in the tournament and to his last opponent who finished in the top 10.

Hicks had enough total points to take tenth place at the PJW championships but in the end took 12th with his two losses.

“I was very proud of the way Jamal wrestled there and all year,” said first year coach Terry Albright. “I truly believed he was the best in the state at his weight and still do. I think he just needs to keep working at it to be on top of the podium.”

Hicks looks to be a major contributor for the Tyrone varsity wrestling squad next season.

“I was proud of myself and was really happy with the way I wrestled this year,” said Hicks on the season. “We even celebrated by hitting Bob Evans’ before we headed home.”