Leavenworth senior Jake Harrington can only grimace as he is locked up by Lawrence High senior Alan Clothier, top, during their wrestling match in the 182 pound division at the Sunflower League Tournament Saturday in Overland Park.

After a loss by tiebreaker in the regional semifinals, Free State High senior wrestler Cameron Shanks is more than motivated for the Class 6A state tournament.

Shanks, along with six of his teammates, will compete at state, which begins at 10 a.m. today at Hartman Arena in Park City.

“It definitely gives you an extra push,” said Shanks, who took third at regionals. “And being a senior also gives motivation because it’s the last time you ever get to do this sport. I’m going to be giving it everything I have to get up on that podium and accomplish my goals for the season.”

The Firebirds finished third at their regional in Wichita, led by champions Isaiah Jacobs (126 pounds), Tate Steele (132) and Gage Foster (170).

Facing some of the top teams in the state in their regional, including Manhattan and Washburn Rural, cost the Firebirds a chance to qualify more wrestlers for state. But it was a chance to face strong competition.

“We actually enjoyed being in the tougher regional because we saw kids that are in the upper echelon of kids in the state,” FSHS coach Mike Gillman said. “That’s the kids that we need to beat. For us to place third at that regional, I think, was a huge credit to our success for the season.”

The Firebirds, who have a goal of finishing in the top 10 at state, only have two wrestlers — Foster and freshman 182-pounder Devin Beers — who haven’t qualified for state in the past.

At practice this week, the Firebirds were relaxed but focused for state. With so many returning state qualifiers, they know what to expect out of the process, and where to eat to cut weight.

“Last weekend wasn’t very fun because I didn’t do it very well,” FSHS senior 138-pounder Sid Miller said of cutting weight. “I ate a little too much, a little too late. But this weekend, I’m going to do it differently and hopefully I’ll feel a little better.”

Lawrence High qualified nine wrestlers for the state tournament, including regional champions sophomore Carson Jumping Eagle (126 pounds), sophomore Ja’Melle Dye (132), junior Tucker Wilson (160) and senior Alan Clothier (182).

A team full of young wrestlers, the Lions are gaining confidence each week, especially after placing second at their home regional.

“We kept building on the momentum all throughout regionals,” LHS coach Pat Naughton said. “When they get in that habit, things start to click and all of sudden it’s just like magic, everyone catches a little bit of fire. With the state tournament, that’s all you need.”

For Clothier, who has focused on performing well at state all season, it’s a chance to avenge a loss in the state semifinals from last season. He entered state with an undefeated record, but lost by a one-point decision on his way to third place.

“It’s getting a little scary,” said Clothier, who owns a 29-2 record this season. “Last year, I never thought that I was going to lose. I thought I was going to make it to the finals again. A bump in the road. I just don’t want that to happen again this year. I’m kind of nervous.”

But in some ways, the loss has motivated Clothier to work his way to his second state championship.

“It definitely made him hungrier,” Naughton said. “That’s the one thing about him. It doesn’t matter, Alan can be playing cards or he can be playing checkers, and if he loses, it’s like, ‘No, we’re playing again. We’re playing until I beat you three times in a row.’ That’s the way he is.”