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The message in the Pendleton Heights wrestling room this time of year is a simple one: ?Work in the summer makes champions in the winter.?

It?s a mantra state champion Mason Todd (No. 15 @ 112) lives by ? and one that earned him the title of Most Outstanding Wrestler at the NWCA-USA Wrestling National Scholastic Duals last weekend.

After winning the IHSAA state title at 112 pounds on Feb. 19, it would have been understandable if Mason Todd had taken some time off.

After all, the Arabians junior had just wrapped up a 32-0 season atop the podium at Conseco Fieldhouse.

But, after many postmatch hugs and posing for photographs, Todd?s celebration included just dinner, a good night?s sleep and a relaxing day Sunday. Come Monday the junior was back in the room to begin offseason workouts.

?I didn?t take much of a break. I just kept coming to the practices because I like them,? Todd said. ?I took a little bit of break from state until now (in competition), but I?ve been practicing.?

?The difference between (Mason) and a lot of other kids is that he won a state title, and when we started our open room he was in here,? PH assistant coach Courtney Duncan said. ?A lot of kids might think ?I?ve accomplished my goal. I?m a state champ. I?m going to take a break.? He didn?t take a break. He lives the sport 24/7. And there?s very few athletes you get like him.?

For Complete Article by Quintin Harlan, The Herald Bulletin