The boys wrestling team ended its season this past weekend with a gold medal as freshman Chase Roth won Argyle’s first wrestling state championship. Roth competed in the 106 pound weight class, and his record this year is 29-1.
“Chase had wrestled and beaten Jorge Santos from Creekview HS (his competition in the finals match) twice earlier in the year, so we felt confident that he certainly COULD beat him if everything went as planned,” head coach Jake Fischer said. “Chase prepares himself mentally very well and his confidence is contagious.”
Senior Cutler McMartin, also a state qualifier, lost in the quarter-finals round, which puts him in the top eight in the state. McMartin ended his 2012-13 season with a 22-6 record.
“Cutler unfortunately drew Jacob Rubio from Canyon Randall for his first match,” Ficher said. “Rubio hasn’t lost a match in more than two years and is currently ranked number two in the nation. Cutler, as expected from a senior team captain, wrestled very well in spite of all the hype surrounding Rubio. He won his next two matches and advanced to the consolation quarterfinals before coming up short. Sometimes it just isn’t meant to be.”
Freshman, Tanner Kuketz lost due to an injury sustained during an early match of the state finals.
“Tanner actually injured his shoulder in practice two weeks prior to the state tournament but was cleared to practice and compete in Austin,” Fischer said. “During his second match he re-injured the same shoulder. He should receive the final diagnosis of his injury in the next few days and hopefully he’ll be back on the mat soon.”
As for next year’s predictions for state, Roth will return, hopefully stronger and healthier than ever.
“One never knows what will happen,” Fischer said. “Chase has literally wrestled since he began to walk and has already competed at high levels in front of huge crowds at national tournaments. His technique is outstanding and he thrives on the competition. His experience and enthusiasm for the sport all but guarantee future success.
