Anthony Maldonado was named Most Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament. Photo by Kathleen Graham.
It feels a bit like Groundhog Day in Lake Highlands, with the Wildcat Varsity Wrestling team repeating as District Champions for the 8th straight year. The team scored 284.5 total points to defeat runner-up Pearce by more than 120 points. Nine individuals won district titles in their respective weight classes.
District Champs were seniors Connor Bosch (126), Seth Villasana (138), Reid Curnutt (152), Tyler Hughes (170), Juan Castro (182), Kendrell Willis (220), Anthony Maldonado (Heavyweight) and sophomores Robert Harris (106) and Daniel Kidd (113). Earning 2nd were senior Evan Hayter (145), juniors Domonique Neroes (160) and Twquan Clayton (195) and sophomore Tha Lian (120). Placing 4th was sophomore Jason Graham (132).
Heavyweight Anthony Maldonado was voted Most Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament after the spectacular throw down his Skyline opponent in the finals. All 14 starters on varsity are now qualified to compete at regionals this Friday and Saturday in Allen. The team is led by Hall of Fame coach Pete Grieder.
“It was important to win district and move on to regionals because that’s where the competition gets harder,” says Curnutt, who pinned his opponent in 24 seconds at the district final match. “Being first in district hopefully means a higher seeding in regionals and a better chance of going to state. I missed qualifying for state last year by one point in my final match at regionals, so it’s very important for me to go this year. LH wrestling has a tradition of being one of the stronger teams in our district, so it was good to finish first as expected on Saturday.”
“I think team titles can be more fun than individual championships,” says Villasana, “because I’m able to celebrate with my whole team. Individual wins are still very rewarding, just in a different way.”
And a prediction for regionals?
“Confidence is key to winning matches,” says Villasana. “I feel we can take first.”
Seth Villasana. Photo by Kathleen Graham.
Reid Curnutt. Photo by Kathleen Graham.
Connor Bosch. Photo by Kathleen Graham.
