To borrow from the opening monologue of Star Trek, senior Christopher “Chris” Pike can boldly go where no Sherburne-Earlville wrestler has gone before.

Chris Pike is one of only 11 sectional champions in the documented history of Sherburne-Earlville wrestling. Last season, en route to a fifth-place finish in the state, Pike joined Rick Koenig (’65-’66) and Joe Gombers (’63-’64) as the school’s only two-time sectional champions.

Saturday at the Utica Auditorium, he attempts to set a new school record as the number two seed in the Section III small school division 285-pound weight class.

Pike is used to achieving firsts: He became the first S-E sectional champion in 18 years when he took the heavyweight crown as a sophomore. He matched that feat a year ago in becoming the first two-time sectional champion at S-E in over 40 years. Coming off a Class B championship a week ago, Pike is our Smith Ford LLC/Evening Sun Athlete of the Week.

“To be honest and blunt, Chris put Sherburne-Earlville wrestling back on the map two years ago,” said head coach Bim Palmer.

Pike split his four state tourney matches as a sophomore, and was one win away from qualifying for the placement round. A year ago, Pike’s state championship dream was cut short in the semifinals by Section XI’s Dustin Frederick, who pinned Pike and went on to win the state title.