MECHANICSBURG — Many a dream of making it to the state tournament will be realized after Saturday’s districts conclude around the state, and three times as many dreams will be shattered.

But the unseen side of the wrestling postseason is the side with the most heartbreak: Injured and can’t compete. Especially if you have the potential of Mechanicsburg’s two injured standouts, Max Erwin and Austin Black.

Both juniors are state qualifiers, both were main point-scorers in the Indians’ legitimate run at a Division III state championship. And both, along with four other teammates — Michael Coleman, Dillon Hurst, Tim Rader and Joe Pelfrey — are out for the season.

Without them, the Indians will still make some waves at this weekend’s Division III district tourney at Fairmont and at state next week. But they won’t contend for team titles.

Big losses, but that’s just part of the picture. There’s so much more.

Erwin, the projected state champion at 152 pounds in the Brakeman Report, is just thankful to be alive — and accepting of this season’s fate.

He was involved in a pickup truck accident last Thursday, the day before the sectionals began — one that could have taken his life, or at the very least his mobility.

“Number one, it’s not my choice; God’s the only reason I’m living and the only reason I’m still alive today,” said Erwin. “When it comes to sectionals, I was more thankful that I was still alive. The truck was totaled.

“You gotta know that I’m disappointed,” he continued. “But the main reason why I wrestle is to glorify God in any way, so if He doesn’t want me to wrestle, then I don’t want to.”

Evidently, God didn’t have a state championship in His plans. And Erwin is adjusting — with a lot of support.

“Right now, I’ve got some good friends to help me out,” he said. “I’m doing much better than I expected to be.

“I didn’t know how many friends I had until this occurred. A lot of people have reached out to me, and it is so appreciated.”

The ironic part is that Erwin was on his way to a doctor’s appointment for a torn tendon in his finger that was becoming bothersome.

Less than 12 hours later, he was coming out of surgery with a steel rod in his leg.

“I should be walking without crutches in four to six weeks, so that’s good,” he said.

“It all happened in a matter of five seconds. The truck actually hit the tree so hard that it pivoted around it and that’s what probably saved me from worse injuries, maybe even saved my life,” he continued. “It redirected the blow, I think.”

Those who know Erwin well know he’s good at seeing the silver lining.

“Obviously I am disappointed that I can’t finish the season,” he admitted. “But I’m actually glorifying Him through this situation more than if I was going to state.

“I’m touching people, and they are seeing the picture of how I probably should have died.

“I like having these opportunities to show God’s glory, but I never expected to come like this.”

At least his career isn’t over and he’s got a senior season to look forward to. The same can’t be said of teammate and classmate Black. His shoulder injury, even when healed, is the kind that will prevent him from wrestling again.

How has he dealt with the loss?

“Just knowing that having surgery was the best thing to do has helped,” he said. “It can be even worse if you hurt it again. I have the rest of my life ahead of me. I don’t need to have constant problems.”

Black is a gifted pitcher, and the injury is to his non-pitching shoulder. So although he’ll miss spring ball with the Indians, he’ll still be able to play baseball once he’s fully healed.

“That’s always been my favorite sport, and I still have that,” he said. “That’s something to look forward to.”

Two of the team’s leaders, both Erwin and Black vow to be there for the team whenever needed.

“I go in there and do whatever I can,” said Black. “It’s hard to watch.

“We always have older kids who have graduated come in and tell you not to take it for granted, that once you’re out, you’ll miss it. But when you should be doing it in high school and can’t, that’s hard to take.

“Still, I try to help the coaches out whenever I can and help my friends out supporting them. I’ll be there Saturday rooting them on.”

So will Max. And although they’ll be heartbroken, they’ll also be thankful.