Graham sets sights on tougher challenges | Maryland Gazette (HometownGlenBurnie.com)

Shortly after winning his third state championship, Graham said there were other things he'd rather be doing. And he meant it.

"I'm kind of looking forward to some new things," said Graham, who won his final 97 matches and his third weight class in as many years to earn his second straight Capital Gazette Newspapers' Wrestler of the Year award.

Graham, Annapolis' safe bet for a state title each of the last two seasons, won four county championships and ended his career with a 137-8 record.

"In my 11 years of coaching, I've never seen another guy like that," Panthers coach Tom Sfakiyanudis said. "He's a rare individual."

Graham will join American University's wrestling program in the fall, and he'll likely wrestle at 157 or 165.

Led by Graham, the Panthers finished the season 17-3, qualified seven wrestlers for the East Regional - third to Stephen Decatur (13) and Old Mill (8) - and brought two to the state tournament.

John Graham won the East Region title at 130, but was eliminated after three matches at states.

"It's been great having that, but the bigger thing is the example he sets in the room, at practice at the matches," Sfakiyanudis said of Bubby Graham. "He sets that standard and creates something for them to look up to. The way he leads by example really helped the team."

There was a time - albeit a short one - when Graham struggled. He lost eight matches, including two at the state tournament, to place sixth as a freshman. That motivated him to work on his craft and develop his game.

"Looking back on it, freshman year was good," Graham said. "I liked all the competition I had that year. I definitely learned a lot."