SIOUX FALLS — The third time’s the charm for Gannon Knebel.

The Wagner senior finally overcame his title match woes to win the Class B 215-pound state championship at the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center.

Knebel had lost in the title match each of the last two seasons, but left no doubt this year with a tech fall early in the second period over Canton’s Chase Adam.

“We wrestled twice this year so I kind of knew the gameplan coming in and we went from there.

“He’s a tough opponent, he’s a good wrestler,” Knebel said. “I’ve seen him a couple times and you can’t overlook him. It’s tough to beat tough wrestlers multiple times in a row so I just had to trust myself, trust my training, my attacks and trust my coaches and go get it.”

Knebel said it’s been a lifelong dream to be a state champion, and doing it in his senior year makes it much more special.

“It’s my childhood dream,” Knebel said. “I failed twice so it means a lot. It’s kind of a surreal moment for me and my family. I put a lot of work into this sport so it means a lot to come out on top this year.”

Knebel lost in the 190-pound title match as a sophomore and the 215-pound championship a season ago. He says the mental battle was a challenge coming back for his senior year but was grateful to get the job done.

“Losing two state title matches is tough,” Knebel said. “It’s a mental barrier and it took a lot to get over. It means everything to me and my family. It’s a dream come true.”

He says the key to his perfect 37-0 season was to limit the distractions and just go out and wrestle.

“It’s a long season,” Knebel said. “It’s physically and mentally wearing. It’s tough to stay on track and not have distractions and I just stayed in a straight line this year, no distractions, and just went out and got it.”