There's no denying that senior co-captain Johnny Putney is the heart and soul of East Aurora's wrestling team.

Putney, the school's all-time wins leader following the Blue Devils' appearance at the St. Francis Duals Tournament earlier this season, has his sights locked on a return to the state tournament after qualifying for - but being unable to compete in due to an emergency appendectomy - the ultimate championships following a 45-2 campaign last winter. It would have been Putney's second appearance at states, had he been able to compete last year.