Even after two successful showings at the Seahawk Duals and the Toomey Invitational, South Effingham wrestling coach Tom Onorato couldn’t wait to get back into school.

With classes having resumed Monday following the two-week Christmas break, that means a return to a routine, which was missing during the vacation. And it’s back to work as the Mustangs prepare to host — and defend — the Area 3-AAA duals championships.

“This is one of the parts of the year highlighted on the calendar,” Onorato said. “It’s always going to be intense. It’s always going to be close matches.”

Last year’s area duals championship couldn’t have been by a slimmer margin for the Mustangs. The Mustangs tied Benedictine in the championship match. They won the championship by virtue of having won more individual matches in the finals.

But that was last year, in the eyes of their coach.

“It’s a new year,” Onorato said. “In sports, it’s what have you done for me lately. We’ve got nothing to be content about.”

The Mustangs finished third in the Seahawk Duals at Hilton Head Island (S.C.) just before New Year’s Day and were third at the Toomey last weekend. In lieu of not having much practice time because of the chaos of the holidays, the tournaments were welcomed.

“You can’t beat getting on a mat with an official and having someone else from another school,” Onorato said.