The Roo wrestling teams are preparing for a competitive season ahead, bolstered by a mix of experienced returners and promising young talent. Head Coach Lehi Benton has worked tirelessly throughout the off-season to grow and strengthen the program, and the efforts are already showing signs of success.
The girls’ team welcomes back standout varsity wrestlers, including sophomore Mackenzie Williamson (117 lbs), who made varsity as a freshman and earned The Grinder Award for her work ethic. Sophomore Alyssa Willis (165 lbs) will also play a crucial role. The team’s leadership will come from seasoned wrestlers like Val Hernandez (JR, 132 lbs), Mia Thomas-Trujillo (SR, 100 lbs), Itzel Acosta (JR, 120 lbs), and Jessica Hires (SR, 152 lbs), all looking to build on last year’s successes.
A solid core of senior athletes leads the boys’ team. Gunner Spotanski (SR, 132 lbs), who secured 2nd place in the district and finished regionals with an impressive 29-6 record, is poised to lead by example. Zayden Moore (SR, 126 lbs) finished 5th in district with a 17-8 record, while Mason Walker (SR, 165 lbs) placed 6th in district and ended with a 25-8 season record. Senior Jackson Mercier (144 lbs), who earned last year’s Grinder Award for his exemplary work ethic, and Colton Webber (SR, 138 lbs) will add depth and leadership. Junior Harley Wares (150 lbs), who received the Most Improved Award, also returns.
On the girls’ side, young talent is abundant. Sophomore Cadence Hendricks has made significant strides in the off-season and is set to fill a varsity spot at 126 lbs. Freshmen Kyra Billingsly, Hannah Caveness, Zara Culley, and Addison Berrier are all expected to contribute at the varsity level, adding depth to the roster.
The boys’ team will see several young wrestlers stepping into varsity roles, led by a strong sophomore class. Johnny Lara (Soph., 190 lbs), last season’s sole varsity freshman, returns to the lineup after narrowly missing a 5th-place finish at districts in the 175 lbs category. Sophomore Nolan Eakins is poised to take on the 157 lbs spot, with Danny Cortez at 175 lbs. Additional sophomores vying for varsity positions include Koen Fikes, Landen Blake, Zach Loa, Valiant Webber, and Angel Gaucin. Freshmen Eli Garrett and Jace Privette are set to make immediate impacts in the lower-weight classes, with Garrett’s extensive wrestling background drawing particular excitement from the coaching staff.
Coach Benton has invested considerable effort in building the program during the off-season. The team hosted four technique camps over the summer, highlighted by a visit from 3-time NCAA Champion Jason Nolf from Penn State University. The program also launched its first Mat Monsters Youth Wrestling Camp, which introduced basic wrestling concepts to younger athletes and nurtured interest in the sport.
Collaborations with collegiate teams from Texas Wesleyan University and Wayland Baptist University provided valuable exposure to advanced techniques and insights into wrestling at the college level. The strong turnout at summer workouts, the highest in recent years, has fueled optimism for the season.
As the Roo wrestling teams head into the new season, the combination of experienced leadership and emerging talent has them well-positioned for success. With a reinvigorated training program and a commitment to excellence, the teams are ready to compete and build on their foundation.