By CONOR NICHOLL

cnicholl@dailynews.net

Oakley High School senior Eric Albers qualified for the Class 3-2-1A State Wrestling Championships in his first three years, but never placed. Of his six losses, five came by one point and the sixth was by two points. Albers wasn't really expecting to place as a freshman, but believed he could medal his sophomore and junior years.

"I was definitely expecting a lot more out of myself, but it's kind of one of those things, I went out there and I was thinking too much instead of just going out and wrestling like I know how," he said.

Last year, Albers had a turning point after he finished 1-2 at state. After the high school season concluded, he continued wrestling with the kids' program and eventually took third at a state competition.

"I just really finally opened up and let it all happen and that was a big step," he said. "It just proved to myself that I can wrestle anybody if I just wrestle. That's really all it's about. It's definitely a mindset."

This winter, a confident, physically fit Albers has posted the area's only undefeated record. The 160-pounder is 31-0 and has allowed just one takedown, to Garden City's Anthony Gardner, at the Colby dual tournament in early December.

"Always been tough and always been somebody we've had to contend with," Hoxie coach Mike Porsch, who has known Albers and his dad for years, said. "...Looks to me that he has just made his mind up that he is going to win it."

At the Lakin regional last weekend, Albers went 4-0 with four wins by fall, including three in less than 1:39. This week, Albers looks to capture a state title and add his picture to the other Plainsmen state champions in Oakley's wrestling room.

"It just gives me more drive to work harder in practice," he said of the championship photos.

Albers has always had a strong drive and work ethic, no matter the field of study. Albers has already earned his pilot's license and wants to fly after high school. He has applied to the Army, Navy and Air Force and looks to hear back from the academies soon.

For wrestling, Albers has often worked out on his own the last two years. Twice a week, he headed to school before 7 a.m. and runs sprints and stairs for 18 minutes. Every two weeks, he bumped up his workout time by two minutes. A month ago, he started going three times a week for 30 minutes. This year, the workouts and increased confidence could produce Albers' first state championship -- and medal -- of his career.

"I am not real fancy as a wrestler," Albers said. "I am going to stay in good position and I am in the best shape of my life and probably in the best shape out of any of my opponents."