Butler senior Ethan Babay, flanked by parents Andy and Nina Babay, signs a letter of intent to continue his academic and wrestling career at Fairmont State University. Looking on, from left, are Butler head wrestling coach Scott Stoner and assistant Alex Evanoff. John Enrietto/Butler Eagle

BUTLER TWP — Perseverance and patience.

Butler senior Ethan Babay exhibited both as he awaited his turn to become the Golden Tornado wrestling team’s starter at heavyweight. He was stuck behind Jacob Pomykata — who reached the state tournament as a senior — for two years.

“Everybody wants to be out there on the mat and Ethan was no exception,” Butler coach Scott Stoner said. “He knew the deal. There was no way we could drop him into another weight class and Jake was established.

“He worked with Jake in the room. He learned from him. He knew he was only going to have one year to make it happen.”

And he was hungry.

Babay won 34 matches this season — his only one as a starter for the Tornado — and placed fifth in the WPIAL Tournament. The top four place-winners advanced to the PIAA tourney.