It has been a few years since a PISD wrestler has advanced to the state meet. This is something this year’s crop of wrestlers are hoping to change. With plenty of returning experience it seems the time is right for a return to state, but only time will tell. As the season starts to heat up here’s a look at the local squads.

Connally Cougars

Coach: Bill Robertson

Last year: Fifth at district. James Revada, Jeallious Ordillano and James Revada placed third. Chris Fuson and Devante Lyons were fourth.

Returning: Maurice Billingsley (119 pounds), Don Tran (125 pounds), Devante Lyons (130 pounds), Jeallious Ordillano (135 pounds), Chris Fuson (140 pounds), Andrew Hellriegel (145 pounds), Cedric Haley (180 pounds), James Revada (215 pounds) and Jake Wertz (285 pounds). “Haley and Revada are both potential regional qualifiers, but reside in a very tough district,” Robertson said. “Ordillano and Hellriegel have the tools to be quality wrestlers.”

Strengths: We have the most returning experience our school has ever enjoyed,” Robertson said. “On the heels of our best finish in school history, anything short of a higher district finish and having regional qualifiers this year would be a disappointment. We should enjoy greater numbers and depth than we have in the past, which should lead to faster improvement during practice.”

Concerns: “We have no experience below the 125 class,” Robertson answered. “A crop of eager freshmen wrestlers will be battle-tested early to see if they have the mettle to compete in our district.”

Keys: “We have to field a full squad this year in all 15 weight classes, maintain eligibility, and continue the improvements we have shown over the last two years,” Robertson added. “If the young wrestlers can provide punch at the 103, 112 and 119 weight classes we have a chance to be very competitive throughout the season.”

Hendrickson Hawks

Coach: Tom Lupo

Last year: Five winners at district. Girls: Rachael Cook first and Adrianna Killingsworth second both regional qualifiers. Boys: Omar Contreras third, Angel Salas third and Blake Fuller fourth.

Returning: Boys: Shane Carter, Michael Chapman, Trey Choate, Omar Contreras, Chris Cook, Nic Garza, Cassidy Gonzalez, Royzell Gothwright, Jose Luis Jaimes, J.T. Kay, Michael Kay, Anthony Nunez, Lance Parker, Joshua Patterson, Ryan Rankin and Joshua Tongarte. Girls: Cook, Angelia Gooch and Killingsworth

New faces: Jonathan Ybarra.

Strengths: “The number of team members is up from last year with a good group of freshmen,” Lupo said. “Omar Contreras and Jonathan Ybarra should be strong competitors for the boys team. Rachael Cook and Adrianna Killingsworth are two regional qualifiers returning for the girls team.”

Concerns: “The team was young last year,” Lupo added. “We will still be young mostly sophomores and juniors with very few seniors.”

Keys: “The young wrestlers need to step up and be competitive at the varsity level,” Lupo said.

Editor’s note: As of press time no information on the Pflugerville High wrestling team had been submitted.