In just his second year as a wrestler, Connally High’s James Revada not only won a district title, he made school history in the process. Last week Revada won the 285-pound class at the district meet and also earned the first-ever wrestling district championship for a Cougar.

“I was shocked, speechless,” he said. “I worked hard and I knew it would pay off at some point, but it paid off at district. I had confidence and I gave it my all.”

A district championship after two years competing is certainly a huge accomplishment. Revada, a junior who also plays football, got into the sport thanks to Cougar coach Bill Robertson.

“Coach got me to come out,” he explained. “He thought I did good so I kept going.”

Revada says his favorite thing about wrestling is the feeling he gets when he is on the mat in front of the crowd.

“I like the adrenaline,” he said. “The crowd yelling, I like that. It’s just me and my opponent, head to head, trying to see who’s the bigger man.”

Just a week prior to his big win at district Revada had a similarly strong showing at the Pflugerville Championships, where he also won his weight class. He said that showing was a good springboard to send him into district.

“It was a confidence builder,” he added.

Revada, who is the first Cougar to qualify for the region meet in 10 years, heads in with no expectations other than to do the best he can.

“I just want to give it all I have,” he said. “Hopefully I’ll make it to state.”

Editor’s note: Revada went 1-2 at last week’s Region IV meet and did not qualify for the state tournament.