It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these kids. In the world of high school athletics, competition can be tough at the local level in addition to the regional and state levels as well.

We’ve said it before in this space, and we’ll say it again. The workload alone can be enough for a full-time student to handle and to balance a sport or activity on top of that takes dedication, planning and time most people don’t want to give up.

The state wrestling tournament and the state swimming and diving meet kick off this week, and the Austin area will have its share of participants.

In wrestling, those who qualified include Michael Hirsch and Howie Underwood from Austin; Noah Schlee, Carter Brandt and Jacob Hamlin from Grand Meadow/LeRoy/Ostrander/Kingsland; Grant Hegge and Matt Schroeder from Southland; and Nick Masching, Myles Moreno and Mark Evjen from Hayfield.

In swimming, Austin is sending 50-yard freestyler Jaceb Crews and the 200-yard freestyle relay of Crews, Zach Rausch, Jordan Stasi and Eric Lenway.

All of these athletes have had extraordinary seasons, and we wish them well at state.