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Scott Hines did not even need to get his hand raised one time to earn some attention this wrestling season.

But it sure does help.

The Fairmont senior heavyweight wrestler was already dubbed one of the best in the state in Class AA before the season started as he will look for a second straight trip to the state meet to close out his prep grappling career.

Hines opened the season ranked No. 3 by theguillotine.com and has not budged from that spot after the second ranking of the season Dec. 11. He has remained unbeaten in that span, which certainly helps.

"It's a big target on my back. It's nice my name's out there - people think I'm going to do well," said Hines.

And why not, after a very successful season last year.

Hines went 2-2 at the state meet last season.

He defeated Sartell-St. Stephen's Paul Plombon by fall in 2:28 in his first match, before he was sent to the wrestlebacks by Princeton's Billy Frank who pinned Hines in 2:35. Frank eventually won the heavyweight title.

Hines then moved on via technical fall over Minnehaha Academy's Jesse Grothe by a 20-2 win, before an injury default ended his tournament during a match against St. Peter's Brandon Zabel.

Hines has wrestled for seven years, played football for six and competed in track and field for two years, with wrestling being his favorite.

"I just love the sport. It's a lot of fun. It's unique - it's a team and individual sport," said Hines.

But he wasn't always ranked third in the state rankings.

"I didn't like it at first, I struggled with wins. But I started liking it after my freshman year," he said.

"The mental part of it. It's very hard. A lot of guys will go out for it and quit. I like how tough it is," Hines noted on what is his favorite aspect of the sport.

Hines placed third at the South Central Conference Meet last season, but considers his state run the current highlight of his career.

"Winning the section championship and going to state. It was a fun experience, but it ended quickly. But I have another chance to go up there and do my best. ... I've worked hard at it (state). Everything leads up to it," said Hines.

In addition to returning to state as an individual, Hines has a few goals he'd like to accomplish as part of the team.

"I'd like our team to get past the first round of sections," he said.

As far as all-time toughest opponents go, Hines did not hesitate in answering - former Blue Earth Area standout Jake Lee.

"I never beat him and wrestled him seven times in my career," said Hines.

But perhaps he will have a new tough SCC opponent this season. Fellow Class AA heavyweight, New Ulm's Pat Brinkman, is currently ranked No. 1 in the state and will be quite an obstacle in the conference.

"I'll at least meet him two times this year. I'll just wrestle him like any other opponent," said Hines.

Hines definitely knows his strengths and what he'd still like to work on on the mat.

"I do very well on offense on my feet. I'm struggling with riding, but I like (getting) takedowns. ... I'd like to work on wrestling from the bottom and my leadership skills. I'm not the greatest leader, but I'd like to push everyone to wrestle their best," said Hines.

Hines also considers himself to be on the mellow side before a match.

"I try to stay laid back. I like to stay relaxed and joke around with people," he said.

However, he is focused enough on what he'd like to be his goal for his final go-round with the red-and-white.

"Go out there and do some damage."

Hines is considering attending Minnesota State University, St. Cloud State and Augustana. He would like to wrestle at the next level. He intends to pursue a degree in elementary education. But first he will be going into the ROTC and starts basic training this summer.