Winning not first for wrestlers

McALLEN — They are all long shots at the University Interscholastic League wrestling tournament next week in Austin, but that hasn’t stopped them from developing goals.

The McAllen High and McAllen Rowe wrestling contingent has specific aspirations for the meet that don’t necessarily have to do with winning.

Rowe 160-pounder Ronnie Wilson hopes to place in the top 5. Wilson, who has been wrestling since he was sophomore, is making his second trip to state. Last year he did not place and is hoping he can end his high school career with his best showing at state.

“I am anxious, not nervous, just waiting for the real matches,” said Wilson, who placed second in his weight class at the regional meet.

Wilson will be joined by fellow Rowe wrestler Tana Martinez, who also brought home a bronze medal from the regional.

The 138-pound sophomore joined wrestling out of curiosity.

“As soon as I heard that they had a team for girls, I joined,” she said.

Martinez did not want to speculate as to where she expects to finish.

“I don’t want compare myself to anyone,” Martinez said. “I just want to go out there and do my best, hopefully I will place.”

McAllen High’s Sam Mangum (180 pounds) and Scott Inskeep (285 pounds), who are both sophomores, are the first McHi wrestlers to qualify for state. They are hoping next weekend will be a building block to further success during their final two years.

“We are looking for them to do well and learn from state,” Bulldogs coach Miles Peterson said. “We think by the time they are seniors, they can medal.

“They are both sophomores and will be the youngest ones at state.”

Each wrestler placed second in the regional and joined the wrestling team to help them with football, but they have become just as dedicated to the sport as their success has grown.

“This is the best training for football,” Peterson said. “We work on all the same skills as football. We work on endurance and balance. Basically, we fine-tune them.”

Said Inskeep, “We just want to do our best and go all out. Whatever happens, happens.”

That answer drew praise from Mangum and even a high-five.

“This will be a good showing for them,” Peterson said. “I think they should finish in the top half.”

Peter Rasmussen covers high school sports for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4448.