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Ê MANCELONA - All wrestlers pace behind their team's bench, shaking their arms and kicking out with their legs in order to loosen up before their match.

Clearing their heads of any unnecessary thoughts other than beating their opponent is also part of the rituals that they practice.

But, for Mancelona senior Cody Sehl it became a little more involved. Oh, he'd stalk behind the Ironmen's bench like everyone else.

Yet there was something different in his facial expression. A tight, fearsome look that sometimes appeared as though it were meant to intimidate his opponent.

Sehl revealed prior to the regionals that he didn't intend to strike fear in the heart of the wrestler he was about to take on, but rather to stamp in his mind the idea he couldn't be beaten.

"I would glance over at him while I was pacing behind the bench, and just tell myself that he couldn't beat me," Sehl said. "I would say to myself that I could handle this guy, and that I had no worries."

And then he'd go out on the mat and prove it with a quick pin, seldom needing 60 seconds to finish his opponent off.

Fans who slipped out to buy a candy bar or some popcorn, or the occasional piece of pizza which seems to be the favorite fare these days, often returned to their seats just in time to see Sehl's hand being raised by the official signifying yet another victim vanquished.

Often, they missed even that ceremony since Sehl's work was frequently over before the fans had paid for their snack.

It was a scene repeated 50 times during the regular season as Sehl rolled into the state tournament with a perfect record and a chance to make more school history.

Along the way Sehl had become the school's all-time victories leader, surpassing the old mark of 139 career wins set by his cousin.

Despite carrying a heavy heart into the Northern Michigan Championships in Grayling after the passing of his grandfather just two days before, Sehl emerged as the title holder at 285 pounds.

He followed that with a league title, and his 50-0 record gave him the high seed in the state finals where he'd finished fourth last year.

Following a forfeit win in the first round, Sehl recorded one of his patented pins in the next and seemed primed to advance to the championship round.

But that dream faded to black when he lost in the semifinals, and third place eluded him as well.

"We had him as prepared as he could be for the states," head coach Ed Schmidt said. "But there are never any guarantees. You can't tell what is going to happen. He wrestled well. The competition was really tough."

Sehl was disappointed in failing to attain his ultimate goal of a state title, but could still hold his head high.

"He was the type of kid you love as a coach," Schmidt said. "He was a great individual wrestler, but he was a team player as well.

"The younger kids especially looked up to him, and he gave them advice whenever they'd ask for it. He cheered them on, and offered encouragement and positive re-enforcement."

And his wrestling career might not be over. Schmidt was hoping that some college program would come calling.

"I think he'd be a great fit for a smaller school that has a good wrestling tradition," Schmidt said. "He has the work ethic and the physical skills to wrestle in college.

"His mental focus is outstanding. I know myself that he could wrestle at the next level."

Only time will tell. But, regardless of whether he continues his career or not, Sehl leaves a lasting legacy of excellence at Mancelona.