DULUTH — It had been a long time coming for Tyler Everton.

West Forsyth’s junior 160-pounder has been one of the best wrestlers in his division throughout his career, but wanted to be able to say he was the best — period.

He achieved that dream on Saturday, taking a 10-5 decision over Johnny Smith (West Laurens) in the Class AAA 160-pound final at The Arena at Gwinnett Center.

Everton and Smith spent most of the match tangled up and writhing on the mat, and Everton gradually amassed points along the way.

“Once he broke in the second period, I pretty much knew it was over. I was ready for the match to end, so I could go hug my parents,” Everton said.

Everton has been on the medal stand every year at the varsity level, but was happy to finally break through and win it all.

“Freshman year I ended up fifth, last year I ended up sixth, so I was ready to do it this year,” said Everton, who went 54-1 this season, with the only loss coming on a penalty.

He credited teammate Ross Anderskow, who finished second at 152 pounds, for helping him train hard.

Everton’s path to the finals started with a 16-1 technical fall against Jared Harmon (Ridgeland) and continued with a first round pin of Mark Hall (Woodland) on Thursday. On Friday, Everton took a 4-0 decision over Chris Henderson (North Atlanta) in the quarterfinals and moved past Tate Murray (Cartersville) with an 8-2 decision in the semifinals.

West Forsyth landed a total of three grapplers in the finals, and had six state placers in all.

Anderskow dropped a 19-8 major decision to Justin Ownby (LaFayette) in his championship match, finishing second.

At 135 pounds, Evan Burchette fought his way to the finals but couldn’t overcome LaFayette’s Seth Taylor, dropping a 9-1 major decision.

Other state finishers for West were Cody Westray (fifth, 103 pounds), Garrett Tedone (fifth, 119) and Colton Cloud (fifth, 171).

West Forsyth finished fourth in team points, with 129.5.

“I’m happy to see all the hard work pay off for these kids. As coaches, having your kids do well and place at state, or win state — that’s when we get our reward, by seeing the kids do well individually,” Wolverines coach Dennis Stromie said.

West Forsyth’s program has improved each of its three years, with more state qualifiers and placers each season. This year, the Wolverines sent 11 guys to the state traditionals after a team runner-up finish at the state duals last month, and Everton became the school’s second state champion in three years.

All of that followed a National Wrestling Hall of Fame induction for Stromie last year.

“It’s been quite a year for us as a team and me personally with the Hall of Fame thing,” Stromie said.

“I couldn’t be happier. I think we’ve put the program on solid ground. Like I told the kids after the state duals, I’m as proud of this team as any team I’ve ever coached.”

One classification down, local resident Hank Marcacci (145 pounds) earned second place in AA for Blessed Trinity.

Marcacci, a senior, won a 6-5 decision against Jefferson’s Wayne Elliott in the semifinals before being edged 2-1 by Brooks Cowles in the championship match.