Freedom High Wrestler Chris Santillien Places at States

LAKELAND — Freedom High senior wrestler Chris Santillien brought home some hardware from the state finals Saturday after going 3-2 in matches at 160 pounds.

Santillien (27-9) won the fifth-place match against Johnathan Kenney of Viera by default, but not before earning his stripes among the best competition the state of Florida has to offer.

New Tampa Patch caught up with Santillien after the match.

Patch: How tough was this 160-pound bracket?

Santillien: Very tough, every match is hard.

Patch: How bad did you want to place in that last match?

Santillien: Real bad. I'm a senior, so it was my last shot.

Patch: What is going though your head just before a match?

Santillien: I talk myself up, tell myself to wrestle hard.

Patch: What do you hope this does for Freedom wrestling?

Santillien: I hope it starts a trend, that the strength continues.

Patch: Do you plan to pursue wrestling in college?

Santillien: I would love to wrestle at the next level; anywhere that will give me a chance.

Did you attend the state wrestling finals in Lakeland? Upload your photos to this story or post a comment to congratulate our local wrestlers.