Fireworks, swimming, and cookouts tend to be some of the most memorable experiences of the summer.

However, junior Enzo Silva’s summer consisted of life-changing moments at the Fargo National Wrestling Tournament in North Dakota.

“This was my first time ever qualifying for Fargo; previous years I came up short,” Silva said. “It was such a great experience wrestling with the best of the best, and to be under the biggest lights the nation has to offer.”

The tournament invites premier Freestyle/Greco high school wrestlers from across the nation to compete for individual and team championships.

This year’s tournament consisted of participants from 42 states.

“There were 80 plus wrestlers in my weight class, and I placed 8^th in the nation in Greco wrestling,” Silva said.

The 113lb. Silva not only was a part of an individual achievement, but also represented the state of Illinois as a national champion.

“For the second straight year, Team Illinois placed first in the nation for Freestyle and Greco,” Silva said. “We beat out second place by 41 points.”

Silva hopes to transfer some of that winning atmosphere into his upcoming season.

“I want to make it back to the state tournament this year,” Silva said. “I’ve been putting in the work, the team’s been putting in the work, and it’s time for the results to show.”

South’s three-year reign as conference champions came to a halt last year, but Silva believes this season can be just as special as the previous ones.

“I feel like we have the talent to compete with these other schools in the SPC. I’m calling it now. We’re bringing the conference championship back home,” Silva said.