He would prefer jeans, but in this case, it was OK.

Marion High School wrestling coach Chad Adkins bought a jacket and tie a few years ago, promising to only wear it during a state championship match.

It had been hanging in his closet — until Saturday.

Junior Cody Wildin won his first three matches this past weekend at the 3-2-1A state wrestling tournament at Hays, making him the first MHS wrestler to compete for a state championship.

And making Adkins take the jacket off its hanger.

“It’s about time,” Adkins said with a smile before the championship match. “I don’t wear those clothes. I’m not happy about it, but it’s a good reason.”

So, there was Adkins Saturday evening in his coat and yellow tie, doing the same thing he always does at the corner of the mat — except this time he might have been a little less comfortable.

He was his usual semi-animated self, choosing to sit most of the time, but occasionally jumping out of his chair to yell instructions.

During a blood timeout for Wildin’s opponent, Colt Rogers, and with Wildin leading 2-0, Adkins was barking fiery instructions in Wildin’s ear.

And he looked sharp while doing it.

Of course, Adkins didn’t care how he looked, but after all it was on local television.

In the end, Wildin just missed out on the championship with a 4-3 loss, but Adkins was happy with his wrestler’s performance.

“I can’t ask for a better effort than that,” he said.

Adkins was still in the suit after the match, as numerous wrestlers and coaches from other schools came over to congratulate him on Wildin’s success.

If he hadn’t of been so wrapped-up in Wildin’s performance, he probably would have rushed out of the gym as quickly as possible to change clothes.

Even though it will be the last time you see Adkins in a tie for a while, I’m guessing he really didn’t mind wearing it all.