The Lincoln wrestling program continued to make history this past week, as the Bulldogs brought home the school's first district dual title and punched the program's first sticker to the dual state tournament.

No. 7 Lincoln (15-2) had a huge day on Wednesday in district 3A-2 to advance to the district dual finals.

The Bulldogs beat Webster 78-6, Newkirk 83-0 — the largest margin of victory in school history — and Tonkawa 59-20 to advance to face No. 4 Pawhuska in the finals.

There, the Bulldogs withstood a great Pawhuska team, performing well throughout the lineup to take home the title.

"Everyone did what was needed of them in the moment," said Lincoln head coach AB Stokes. "Our coaching staff couldn't be more proud of these guys. The seniors and their leadership and the freshman stepping up in big moments. It all came together at the right time."

After forfeiting at 106, Stokes' freshman son Arion (113), won by tech fall by bumping up a weight to cut Pawhuska's lead to 6-5.

Pawhuska responded with a couple of tough wins, however Lincoln freshman Easton Smith (126) battled and fought through injury in defeat to lose in a major decision that would help save the Bulldogs points.

Lincoln got a big performance from freshman Drake Sheffield (132) after Smith's defeat to cut into Pawhuska's lead and make it 16-11.

"Drake swung the momentum in our favor with a big pin over the No. 4-ranked wrestler at his weight," said Stokes.

The Bulldogs got back to back pins from seniors Hudson Farris (138) and Gabe Huntsinger (144) to take a 23-16 lead, followed by another big performance from a freshman.

Max Madrid (150) pinned the No. 9-ranked wrestler in the next match to put the Bulldogs up 29-16.

After two wins by Pawhuska to draw within 29-26, senior Ethan Uyetake (175) pinned his opponent to stretch the Dogs lead back out to nine.

Freshman Colt Conroy (215) bumped up and won by pin to officially seal it for the Bulldogs before junior Lincoln Torres (285) put an exclamation point on the night with a pin in the final match to make it 47-32 Lincoln.

Stokes talked about the achievement for the program and what the moment meant, as years of hard work from many key individuals helped Lincoln get to this point.

"This is a big moment for the program and I'm grateful to all of the people who have poured into these young men and the program throughout the years, especially Coach (Zach) Fullingim and Coach (Davey) Dolan," said Stokes. "I was around at the very beginning and for this program to be at this spot so soon is accredited to Gods grace and the hard work that's been poured into this program."

And that includes some of the newer or unrecognized coaches, as well, as many play a big role alongside Stokes to continue to elevate the program to new levels.

"Coach (Daniel) Smith is another big time factor, I don't think anyone can match his passion for this program," said Stokes. "Really it's everyone — Coach (Ty) Barrett, Coach Jay, Coach (Cody) Johnson and all of these young men being tough in a Godly way."

Stokes knew his team would have a chance against highly-ranked Pawhuska, as most of his wrestlers had been in big-time moments just a month or so earlier on the football field.

"I told Coach (Jerry) Ricke that I looked down our line-up during the final matches and it was all football player who were used to big moments," said Stokes. "We had 12 of 13 guys who were football guys. I think there's something to playing in big games and being used to pressure because none of our guys blinked, they were locked in and ready to go and it showed."

Ultimately, it's another outstanding achievement for the Lincoln wrestling program, but there are still bigger goals ahead of the Bulldogs, both this year and beyond.

"At the end of the day, it's a great thing for our school and community but this isn't the end goal and we know that," said Stokes. "I'm most excited to get back to work and continue down this narrow road.'

Dual state will be held at Union High School on Feb. 14. The Bulldogs will be one of eight 3A teams competing for the team state title.