When he went to states as a freshman last year, Northampton’s Trey Wagner placed second at districts and regionals, but he didn’t place at states.

As a sophomore last season, Wagner reminded himself and applied a simple, direct approach.

“For me, it was all about being mentally prepared for every match and for every opponent,” reflected Wagner. “At states as a freshman, I wasn’t prepared for what was coming.

“This year, I focused on training more mentally in the present to get to the next step. I began to scout my opponents and prepared for their strengths. It was match by match, and I knew I would have a long way to go.

“But I felt like I was prepared, and I could have a long season.”

Wagner’s plan paid off, as 127-pounder became the school’s 26th state champion last spring. He won his last 27 matches and compiled an overall 34-3 record in the process.

For his efforts, Wagner is the Northampton Press Co-Male Player of the Year.

Ironically, Wagner didn’t see winning a state title in his cards.

“I absolutely didn’t,” he stated. “Coming into the season, I thought I could place fifth or sixth at states, and that was my goal. But going into states, I started to believe that I could do it.

“It was super exciting and everything I worked for me.”

At Hersey, Wagner posted 5-2, 3-1 and 1-0 victories before the final. In the championship bout, he captured an impressive 5-1 victory over Daniel Boone’s Dean Houser, whom he beat in December at the prestigious Top Hat Tournament.

Wagner also credited taking a break during the team part of the season as a key to his late-season success. Wagner spent part of the time between the team portion of the high school wrestling season taking a mental and physical break.

When he won his first district title, he knew his method was paying dividends.

“I felt a lot stronger and had more energy,” stressed Wagner. “I felt sharper physically and mentally.

“At districts, I felt amazing. Looking back, it probably was my best tournament in terms of being totally ready. My movement was very good, and my energy was high.”

Wagner took the torch from his older brother Carson, who was a four-time state medalist for the Konkrete Kids and a state runner-up in 2023. Gunner, another brother, advanced to the blood round of regionals as his farthest advancement in the sport.

Kids head coach Joe Provini couldn’t have been happier or prouder for his grappler. Provini understood the path Wagner could encounter beginning his high school career.

“I can’t say enough good things about him,” beamed Provini. “He entered high school with the pressure of enormous expectations and had a highly successful brother. He has handled that spotlight with maturity and grace.

“His incredible work ethic makes him a natural leader, and despite his notoriety, he always puts his team first.”

Provini also has watched Wagner lay the groundwork for budding wrestlers in the program.

“He is a fantastic role model to our youth wrestlers,” gushed Provini. “He volunteers his time at youth events and at our youth wrestling camp.

“I am thrilled that Trey Wagner became my first state champion, and he is the model of what a Northampton student-athlete should strive to be.”

Wagner started wrestling at the age of five, and his two older brothers provided support and inspiration. He also practiced with the Dark Knight and Red Hawks clubs.

“They both trained me, and they also had me wrestling against older kids,” said Wagner. “It really helped me become better. “

Wagner also noted how he dealt with the psychological stress of the sport, especially in middle school. He also had to cope with his exit from states a year ago. Wagner also decided to focus entirely on wrestling, foregoing a potential baseball career earlier in his youth.

“The mental aspect was hard to overcome,” he said. “In my middle school days, I knew I had to keep working and be more mentally tough.

“It was a reason why I just chose to wrestle instead of playing another sport. I lost the match at states last year, and I gave it everything I had. Coming up a little bit short was heartbreaking.

“I took a few weeks off to regroup, and I had to improve over time.”

With a state championship under his belt, Wagner realizes he expectations will be raised this season. He took the first step when he won the NHSCA sophomore 126-pound title at Virginia Beach in April with a 1-0 victory.

With each match, Wagner continues to adapt.

“I have learned how to relax and deal with the stress,” said Wagner. “I feel like I have been through it all. I know there’s pressure, but it doesn’t matter. Now, it is just another match.

“I’ll take some time off, but I’ll be ready to get back at it again soon. I know what I have to do to get back to states. This was a great experience, and it is up to me to improve on it.”