A successful season on the mat has paved the way for wrestling.

All eight wrestlers competing at district in Lovejoy, advanced to regionals. They will compete Feb. 7-8 to determine whether or not they will be state bound.

Thursday morning, the cheerleaders, Sapphires, ROTC and parents cheered them on their way as they left for Houston. This send off was the first for the wrestling team.

Four of the eight traveling to Houston are seniors. They will compete against 30 other teams.

“The top four in each weight class will advance to state,” Wrestling Coach Tad Hazlewood said.

The gym lobby was adorned with spirited students wishing them luck at their next meet.

“In honor of their fallen comrade, Andy Miller, I wish them all the best,” cheerleader Taylor Veracruz said. “I know he’s watching down on them and encouraging them from above.”

The wrestling team is coached by Hazlewood and BJ Smith.