All eyes will be on Centennial's Nathan Kraisser (126 pounds) and Oakland Mills' Tony Farace (120) Saturday, March 3 at the University of Maryland's Cole Field House as they seek to become the first Howard County wrestlers to win four state titles.
But Wilde Lake senior Alex Polonsky (113), who won a state title in 2010, is hoping to draw a few of those eyes back in his direction.
"Having people like (Kraisser and Farace) really does drive me because I want to prove that I am up there with them ... they've done more, they're going for their fourth state titles and I'm going for my second, but I'm happy with what I've done ... and I'm hoping to bring myself back into (the spotlight) this year," Polonsky said.
When the trio of Howard County Viper alums entered high school in 2009, wrestling fans knew they were witnessing something special. But it was always Kraisser and Farace at the forefront, and then Polonsky, who weighed a little bit less and lost just a few matches more.
That winter, Kraisser defeated Farace for the 103-pound county title and both wrestlers went on to win their first state titles (Kraisser in the 3A/4A and Farace in the 1A/2A). Polonsky was just a few steps behind, finishing fifth in the county and region with a 37-8 record.
The next year, when Kraisser and Farace moved up to the 112-pound weight class, Polonsky made his mark at 103. After placing third at the county tournament, he won his first postseason title at the 3A/4A East regional tournament a week later. And then on the first weekend of March, Polonsky realized the dream of every wrestler, but one that only a small few can reach, when he defeated Northern (Calvert County) freshman Brant Ledbetter in the state finals, finishing the season 35-3.
But last year, as a defending state champion, Polonsky found that winning a state title comes with more than just a medal.
"There were a lot of things that go into that. Everybody always comes at me with their 'A' game, thinking 'Even if I get a takedown it's good.' They always come out hard and aggressive," he said. "And along with that, having a state championship makes me feel like I have to live up to my own expectations and it's hard sometimes to do that."
As a junior, Polonsky could not approach the magic season he put together as a sophomore, placing second at the county tournament at 112 pounds (losing to Farace), fourth in the region and fifth at the state tournament. His final record was 28-8, the worst of his high school career.
"Going from a state championship to nothing in my opinion was just a big letdown," he said. "So I really felt like I needed to prove that I did deserve to have that state championship. Losing last year really helped motivate me this year."
This winter, Polonsky has been a man on a mission. He started the season 29-0 before losing to Winters Mill junior Taylor Logue Feb. 2. Two weeks later, Polonsky was in position to win his first county title. His county championship opponent, Reservoir sophomore Mason Kilcarr, had already lost to Polonsky's teammate, junior Jordan Trinh, earlier in the season.
"I definitely thought I was going to beat him," Polonsky said. "My teammate, Jordan, beat him earlier in the season so I was pretty sure I would be able to do it."
But after a wild first period, Polonsky found that he was in over his head, and eventually succumbed to a pin 52 seconds into the second period. Kilcarr was named the tournament's Outstanding Wrestler for the upset win.
"I guess I underestimated him. I came in and I just wasn't prepared," Polonsky said. "It was really upsetting because I knew I could do it ... afterward it was like a slap in my face."
But the loss may have come at a perfect time for Polonsky, because when he earned a rematch with Kilcarr a week later in the regional finals, he was ready.
"I warmed up more serious. I don't usually listen to music but I listened to intense music before the match," he said. Coaches "Jeff Starnes and Bill Smith really kept us focused on what our goals were and they pushed us all week ... they were really good at keeping us motivated."
Last year, Wilde Lake was coached by former Olympic silver medalist Butch Keaser and Azmar Hagler. Keaser stepped down after last season, and Hagler left midway through this season to take an opportunity preparing former Wilde Lake state champion Zach Brown for the upcoming NFL draft.
On Saturday, Kilcarr once again scored the first takedown, and nearly turned Polonsky to his back. But this time, Polonsky did not wilt, and scored the pin in his home gym 90 seconds into the first period. It was his 136th high school win.
"I was happier after this than after I won the state title because I had lost to him last week. I really had to prove myself," he said. "Everybody I'm wrestling from now on, they're going to be a potential state champion in my eyes."
And after returning to the top of the podium at a postseason tournament for the first time since his state title, Polonsky has become reacquainted with the sweet taste of victory.
"I'm going to miss (wrestling) but at the same time it's been a long, long seven years of my life," said Polonsky, who does not plan to wrestle in college. "Getting another state title would definitely make the whole thing perfect for me."