In high school wrestling, believing that you’re a winner can be the difference from advancing to the state championships and being one who has to watch the matches from the stands.

Matt Phoenix, the head wrestling coach at Mehlville Senior High School, is hoping that his trio of grapplers has the right attitude after advancing from the District No. 1 championships this past weekend in Jackson.

“Things went well,” Phoenix told the Call. “I thought that we could possibly get five through, but we were pleased to get three. Those three kids wrestled really well.”

The three wrestlers who advanced to the sectional championships are seniors Jacob Roesch, Jacob Johnson and Tim Suntrup.

Roesch had the most impressive showing at districts as he captured the 215 championship, with a 3-1 decision over Andy Glass of Jackson.

“Jacob had a great districts,” Phoenix said. “Can he medal? Yes. But, he’s going to have to wrestle really well … I know he can do it.”

At the heavyweight division, Suntrup advanced to the sectional championships after winning some tough and close matches, according to the Panthers’ head coach.

“Tim ended up wrestling pretty well and won some close matches, which he hadn’t done,” Phoenix said. “For him, it’s all going to be about attitude.”

Attitude is going to be the key for the Panthers this coming weekend as they compete at the sectional championships at Lindbergh High School.

“At this point in the season, you’re only as good as the last time you wrestled,” Phoenix said. “That’s what kind of attitude it’s going to take to advance through sectionals and medal at state.

The sectionals are slated for 10:30 a.m.