EDINBORO — By his own admittance, Forrest Christmann rarely worked hard in high school.

He’s making up for that now.

A redshirt freshman heavyweight on the Edinboro University wrestling team, the Slippery Rock High School graduate puts in long days, every day.

“It feels like I have two full-time jobs,” Christmann said. “I’m up lifting and working out at 6:30 a.m., I’m in class until 3:30 p.m., then go to practice, then study at night.

“There’s not much of a social life going on and there’s no partying, that’s for sure.”

Christmann, a criminal justice major, wouldn’t have it any other way.

Though he’s not starting and is sporting only a 6-5 record while competing in open tournaments this season, Christmann is part of a Fighting Scots program that’s won four consecutive PSAC titles and 13 of the past 17 Eastern Wrestling League championships.

“I’m really happy to be where I’m at,” Christmann said. “Every day in the room, it’s a physical war. I’m getting better because of it.”

Edinboro coach Tim Flynn is in his 18th season and sports a 184-68-5 won-loss record.

“To be a freshman heavyweight at this level is tough and we’ve got a few of them,” Christmann said. “Forrest will definitely compete for the starting spot there next year.

“When a kid comes into Division I, he’s taking on a long process. He has to put in the time to build and maximize his abilities and skill-set. Forrest is going through that now.”

Christmann was 102-29 in high school, including 91-9 over his last three seasons with the Rockets.

“I was stronger than most of the guys I lined up against on the mat,” he admitted. “I could pretty much toss guys around.”

That’s far from the case at Edinboro, where junior Warren Bosch (10-15) is the starter at heavyweight. Christmann and fellow freshmen Billy Miller (7-2) and Terrence Cheeks (3-4) provide depth right now.

Flynn said Christmann is No. 2 on the depth chart this season, but nothing is guaranteed down the road.

“Bosch will likely lose weight and drop down to 197 next year,” the coach said. “Then that heavyweight spot is up for grabs.”

The jockeying for position that way has already started.

“The room is brutal,” Christmann said of practice. “Billy Miller beat me by three or four points the last time we faced each other. He took me down in the final 10 seconds.

“It’s a battle here every day, in practice or in tournaments. Every single guy I go on the mat with is capable of beating me. Everybody is strong, physical and talented. It’s not like high school at all. There are no breaks.”

Christmann’s goals remain high: Earn the starting spot at heavyweight next year and become an All-American before he graduates.

“If you’re not aiming high, you shouldn’t be competing at the college level,” he reasoned.

“I need to become more effective on my feet, wrestle better on top and become faster than other guys. I’m getting there. I’m so much better now than I was in high school.”

Flynn recognizes the improvement.

“He comes to practice and works hard every day,” the coach said. “Forrest is hungry. He wants a chance and he’s earning it.

“He’s part of a good young crop coming through here that will hopefully help sustain our success.”