WICHITA, Kan. (Catch it Kansas) - Coming up on nearly a week and a half of holiday break, high school winter athletes are left to take it upon themselves to work out and stay in shape for when the season restarts, like two-time 4A state wrestling champ Sam Elliott of Buhler.

“Just relaxing but not relaxing because you have to stay in shape because two days off of this practice puts you four off in competition,” said Elliott.

No days off for the Buhler senior, Sam Elliott, who’s not only won nearly 70 straight matches but is also looking to win his third straight state championship.

“My biggest thing is, I like to go lift. Every single day on break, besides Christmas, I went and lifted with a group of friends that we have,” said Elliott. “We always go in together, all of us push each other. Every once in a while, I’ll go on a run even though it’s not my favorite thing to do.”

With Elliott looking to pull off the three-peat for the first time in school history and the boys state wrestling tournament beginning in less than two months, Elliott had no time to waste after Christmas.

“I think having that break from being in here just allowed me to do other things outside of this room like go to the gym, so I can work on different things that will help me be better on this mat,” said Elliott. “Like today, one of our alums who was a senior here when I was a freshman, came in and practiced with me.”

Staying focused throughout the remainder of the season while the senioritis is kicking in will be the biggest struggle, said Elliott.

It’s going to be a quick season but at the same time it’s going to be long. There’s records set that I want to break. I know I’m pushing towards the career wins record at our school. I think that’s what keeps me going.

Buhler wrestling will be back in action on January 6th at home hosting El Dorado.

Buhler’s Sam Elliott keeping focus in quest for 3rd straight state championship