The best Texas Wrestlers descended on the Berry Center in Cypress last weekend to showcase their strength, endurance, skill and grit in the State Meet. Junior Zarek Hernandez came home THIRD in the State at 106# and Junior Addison Garcia came home SIXTH in the State at 102#.
After returning from a cracked rib to win both District and Regionals, Hernandez was bracketed on the tough side. He started the tournament defeating Prosper’s Richardson 3-0, scoring on a takedown and escape. Next up was Katy Morton Ranch’s Melrose. Melrose scored early with a 2 point takedown in the first period; Hernandez answered with a 2 point reversal in the second. Hernandez showed heart when deep in the third he turned Melrose for 3 Nearfall points and the 5-2 victory. Day 2 Hernandez lost to Killeen Ellison’s Jimenez, who would eventually win State. Jimenez scored off a takedown in the first period, and the match was scoreless in the second. Hernandez chose bottom in the third and earned an escape, but would eventually be taken down again to lose 1-4. He rallied and pinned his next opponent early in the second period to get to the third place match against Cypress Ranch’s Robeson. The first period was scoreless, then Hernandez hit a takedown in the second but gave up an escape. Starting the third period ahead 2-1, Hernandez chose bottom, got an escape and a takedown. Frustrated, Robeson headbutted Hernandez, giving up a penalty point. Hernandez answered with a wicked crossface and won the match decisively 6-1. “It was a great experience,” Hernandez said, “I fell a little short and will continue to work hard to place First next year.”
Junior Addison Garcia also came into the tournament both District and Regional Champion and hungry. Unfortunately she dropped her first match to League City’s Magdaleno 3-7. Garcia knew she had her work cut out for her, and pinned her next opponent at the beginning of the second period. Then after a definitive 10-5 victory over Cypress Park’s Scott, Garcia knew she needed the next win over Keller Central’s Tanimoto to be guaranteed a spot on the podium. Garcia got on the board early with a 2 point takedown in the first. She gave up an escape point only to get another takedown and start the 3rd period up 4-1. Choosing bottom, Garcia earned a 2 point reversal, but then gave up a 2 point reversal. She was able to hold on for the 6-3 win. Garcia found herself up against Magdaleno again, and unfortunately lost 2-6, putting her in the 5th place match with Allen’s Martinez. Garcia battled hard for 3 periods and came up a little short, losing 0-3 but securing 6th place. Garcia is a motivated, strong and resilient athlete and will come back stronger than ever her Senior year.
Junior Amir Musalli went 0-2 at the tournament in the tough 138# weight class, drawing a tough Katy opponent first and a Plano West opponent second.
Texas wrestling is growing, as well as your Reagan Team. “I am very proud of everyone’s work this year,” said Head Coach Paul Miller, “we all became better wrestlers and closer as a team. We have a great foundation to build a team to do great things.”
A big thank you to the Senior Wrestlers for all your hard work and especially to our Senior Captains for your leadership (Tyler Brode, Ethan Morin, Ryan Bush). Keep putting the work in and you will be successful at whatever you put your mind to! Once a Rattler, always a Rattler – you are always welcome in the mat room to help your team continue to improve.
#StrikeEm