Junior Omar Lopez advanced to the regional tournament for wrestling. The first-year wrestler was the last member of the Bishop Noll wrestling team still competing, as he advanced the farthest out of anyone on the team in the playoffs. 

Lopez, who competed in two different weight classes throughout the season, had already qualified for the regional tournament by winning his first match in sectionals. 

“The most important quality for me was the mindset I had. I had a clear and determined mindset during the season. Since that determination and hard work helped me lose weight and become a better wrestler.”

 Lopez said was what he thinks helped him most on his run to regionals. 

Sophomore teammate Matthew Bonadurer said that he believes Omar possesses great strength and technique, which helped him the most throughout the season. 

Lopez lost in the regional tournament on Feb. 6, but that isn’t the end of the line for him.

“My next step is to continue in my hard work to try to lose more weight,” Lopez said. “Since my plan for next wrestling season is to compete in the 182 weight class. But also to train in other wrestling tournaments during the summer so that I can gain more knowledge and experience.”