SLIPPERY ROCK — Forrest Christmann couldn't have started the wrestling season any better.

But not all stories end like a fairy tale.

The Slippery Rock junior, at one point ranked fourth in the state, won his first 36 matches and claimed a section title.

“It felt real good,” said Christmann of winning the section championship. “I can't really describe it.”

Entering the District 10 Class AA Tournament, Christmann was 35-0 and one of the favorites in a stacked 220-pound weight class.

“I was definitely confident,” said Christmann. “There was a lot of pressure going in thinking you could win.”

An ill-timed slump led to a fourth-place finish at districts and Christmann's stellar season abruptly ended at the Northwest Region Tournament last weekend.

Christmann, who finished 37-4 with 22 pins, plans on doing everything he can to write a better end to his senior year.

“I want to improve at every position,” he said.

District 10 boasts some of the best 220-pounders in the state, evidenced by the results of this week's PIAA Class AA Individual Wrestling Championships.

Christmann took fourth in the district behind Cochranton's Cam Cyphert (38-3), Fort LeBoeuf's Evan Daley (49-5) and Seneca's Matt Mongera (29-6). All three advanced to the state quarterfinals in convincing fashion — two pins and a 10-2 decision — and will place sixth or better.

“I think it's one of the most difficult regions in Pennsylvania. You'll see four kids nationally ranked at 220 pounds and they only take three to Hershey,” said Edwin Christmann, a Slippery Rock assistant coach and Forrest's father. “We knew it would be an issue going into the season.”

Well aware of the challenge, Christmann didn't shy away.

“Some people wanted him to wrestle at heavyweight this season because it was an easier road,” said Coach Christmann. “Forrest didn't want to take the easy road.”

Christmann's first loss came at the hands of eventual Northwest Region champion Daley by fall in the District 10 semifinals. He then lost a 3-2 decision to Mongera, a former PIAA runner-up.

“It's crazy,” said Forrest of the 220-pound competition in District 10. “Mongera is like 6-8 and he's a lot stronger than he looks, which is weird to say about someone who's about a foot taller than you.”

Christmann is pretty strong himself.

The junior is also a standout lineman for the football team and has received college interest for both sports, although he hasn't decided which one he'll continue.

So far, letters from about 30 schools have recruited him for wrestling.

“There's a variety. All the way from Harvard to smaller ones like Cleveland State,” his father said. “Ultimately, I think he wants to go to Iowa and that's a possibility. We know the coaches there.”

Christmann has attended wrestling camps at Iowa University throughout the years and also works on his skills with Tom Tomeo, a two-time state champion for Grove City and former All-American at Clarion University.

“He's put a lot of time in during the last three summers,” Mr. Christmann said. “He's extremely strong and very difficult to score on. He improved in all positions from last year to this year.”

Christmann is within reach of 100 career wins, as his record currently stands at 70-18. The milestone isn't his No. 1 priority, though.

“I'd rather be a state champ than get 100 wins,” he said. “It would be a proud accomplishment. Obviously, not that many people get to 100.”

Christmann plans on competing at the NHSCA National High School Championships in Virginia Beach, Va. starting March 28. He took sixth in the nation at 189 pounds last year.

After that, his focus will turn to making a run at a PIAA title in his final season at Slippery Rock.

“One of the things we've discussed is that next year there is no next time,” his father said. “I think that's his motivating slogan from now on.

“His goal is to win a state title and I think he can do it. He thinks he can do it, too.”

“It's all I've been thinking about,” Christmann admitted.