Wrestlers perform solidly

By ALBERT VILLEGAS
Special to the NEWS

McALLEN, TX—San Benito High School wrestlers are showcasing some impressive moves on the mat, enough that both the boys’ and girls’ teams are finishing among the best at all their events this season.

At the Lady Mustang Invitational held at McAllen Memorial High School last weekend, the Lady Greyhounds finished atop among 31 teams that competed.

“These athletes dominated one of the largest tournaments in the Rio Grande Valley, bringing the title home to San Benito,” Lady Head Wrestling Coach Kristen Longoria said. “Their performance showcased heart, grit, and relentless effort throughout the competition.”

Among the Lady ’Hounds who placed were gold medalists Evelyn Balderas (120 lbs.) and Angelli Ortega (145 lbs.); silver medalists Briana Castillo (110 lbs.) and Madison Castillo (155 lbs.); and bronze medalists Savannah Ramirez (105 lbs.), Deyanira Garcia (170 lbs.), and Kat Rodriguez (190 lbs.).

Other girls who Coach Longoria commended for their wrestling efforts were Natalie Cisneros, Leila Bulnes, Nayeli Esquivel, Violeta Gallegos, and Shaila Sosa.

At the Bear Down Invitational at Pharr-San Juan-Alamo High School late last month, SBHS wrestlers to place first were Michelle Macias (110 lbs.), Evelyn Balderas (120 lbs.), and Ortega (145 lbs.). Second place went to Ruby Lucio (130 lbs.); and third place Ramirez (105 lbs.) and Garcia (170 lbs.).

The Lady ’Hounds were also crowned champions at the King of Cradles Tournament at Veterans Memorial High School in Brownsville a week before the PSJA event.

First place finishers were Ramirez (105 lbs.), Balderas (120 lbs.), and Rodriguez (190 lbs.); second place Macias (110 lbs.), Sosa (140 lbs.), and Ortega (145 lbs.); third place Lucio (130 lbs.), Castillo (155 lbs.), and Garcia (170 lbs.).

San Benito ranked ahead of PSJA, Weslaco, Harlingen, Edinburg Economedes, and Edinburg North.

On the boys’ side, the Greyhounds also performed outstanding at the PSJA’s Bear Down Invitational, finishing in second. Individually, first place went to Damien Hernandez (126 lbs.) and Brandon Salinas (215 lbs.).

Second place finishers were Micah De Leon (120 lbs.), Roel Garcia (144 lbs.), and Humberto Garcia (165 lbs.).

Boys’ Head Coach Juan Caballero said he was proud of the effort and toughness the wrestlers exhibited. There is a lot of discipline when these athletes compete, he added.

Both San Benito teams hosted a tri-match on Wednesday, Dec. 10. It was also Parents’ Night for the seniors.