The Randall boys wrestling team claimed its second consecutive UIL Class 5A state championship, and the sixth in program history Saturday night at the Berry Center in Cypress. [Toby Tucker/ For Press Pass Sports]
Randall left no question who the best team was on its way to capturing its second straight University Interscholastic League Class 5A state championship Saturday night at the Berry Center in Cypress.
As the Raiders did at regionals, Randall dominated from Friday morning to Saturday night scoring 146 points, with Midlothian coming in a distant second with 77 points.
“Our guys came out and put two really solid days together,” said David Quirino, who’s in his 25th year as Randall’s wrestling coach. “We were able to wrestle and get a lead Friday that we knew we could relax and just go out and wrestle Saturday being in the drivers seat.“
Quirino and his Randall teams contiue its dynasty he’s built during his 25 year tenure running the program, claiming the school’s sixth state championship — 2008, 2009, 2013, 2017, 2019, 2020 — over the past 12 years.
Individually, seven of the Raiders eight competitors found the medal stand with Jadyn Heaton and Branson Brittan bringing back individual gold medals. Heaton won the boys 160 pound division by pinning Pflugerville Weiss’ Micah Wiginton at the 4:59 mark. Brittan claimed gold in the 170 pound division thanks to a pinfall of Max Hampton of Frisco Lebanon Trail at the 3:18 mark of the match.
Also earning medals were, Andres Mendoza, who took silver in the 120 pound, while
Steven Rodriguez (138 pound), Moses Torres (145 pound) and Greg Dean (152 pound) all won bronze medals with third place finishes. Kale Farrington (182 pounds) placed sixth.
“All of these guys stepped up pressure moments and we had confidence in ability it helped us win the title. I couldn’t be more proud of these guys stepped up in pressure moments” Quirino said. “They proved they had the confidence and ability to go to do get the job done, and help us win a state title. I couldn’t be more proud of these guys.”
Randall has now totaled 30 state individual champions since 1999, and 28 runner ups.
Quirino was was also named Class 5A Coach of the Year after the state tournament in Cypress.
Dumas boys place sixth
Dumas had solid showing by placing sixth at the UIL Class 5A state wrestling meet.
Junior Ah Lee Yart was the highlight for the Demons, earning a silver medal after competing in the 132 pound weight division. Teammates Robert Ruiz (126 pound) came in third and Juan Romero (145 pound) placed fourth.
Caprock take third
The Caprock Lady Longhorns capped off an impressive season by finishing third on the girls side of the UIL wrestling tournament.
Caprock tallied 60 points between five competitors, with three finding the medal stand. El Paso Eastwood was the state champion with 125 points.
Tatiana Garcia (119 pound) came in third for the Lady Longhorns, while teammates Vanessa Macedo (110 pound) placed fourth and Audree Garcia (95 pounds) finished fifth.
Tascosa’s Diaz claims silver
The storybook season for Tascosa Lady Rebels senior Mia Diaz didn’t end how she wanted, however it doesn’t take away from an unbelievable year.
Diaz’s quest at a Class 6A state championship in the 95 pound division came up short as she was defeated by Olivia Degeorgio of Conroe Woodlands by a 12-2 decision.
Despite suffering her only loss on the year, Diaz, the Region I-6A champion, finished her incredible season at 42-1 overall.
Here’s a look at all of the Amarillo-area state medalist from the UIL wrestling tournament.
Amarillo-area boys state medalist
Class 5A
Amarillo High
Jeff Jackson, 220 pound, fifth place
Dumas
Robert Ruiz,126 pounds third place
Ah Lee Yart, 132 pounds second place
Juan Romero, 145 pounds, fourth place
Amarillo-area Girls state medalist
Class 6A
Tascosa
Mia Diaz, 95 pounds, second place
Bushland
Norma Salomon, 215 pounds, fifth place
Caprock
Audree Garcia, 95 pounds fifth place
Vanessa Macedo, 110 pounds fourth place
Tatiana Garcia, So. 119 pounds, third place
Palo Duro
Audalie Cruz, 95 pounds, second place
Jadyn Cordova, 102 pounds, sixth place
Randall
Avery Stout, 95 pounds, fourth place
Avery Martinez, 102 pounds, third place
Jayrn Ortegon, 110 pounds sixth place