The wrestling season for the Redhawks is coming to a close for the final three (William Randolph, Julio Velo, and Dani Banks) who are competing at state Friday and Saturday at The Berry Center in northwest Houston. 

“The regional meet went very well for the three that advanced onto state and I’m very proud of them for putting in the work the whole season and giving it their all,” head coach Justin Koons said. “It feels really good to get to state, especially seeing these specific athletes who have put a lot into this sport get that type of success.”

Randolph claimed the regional championship at 157 lbs, Velo took second place at 165 lbs, as did Dani Banks at 185 lbs who is returning to state for the second year in a row. 

“It felt really good to perform how I did at the meet and I’m excited to take those skills to state,” Banks said. “My expectations for state, well, I’m hoping to make it to the podium at least, and that I know its going to be hard competition, so i am gonna have to try to work harder than my opponent,t and do what i can and try my best, and im hopeful for a state finish, top 3 hopefully.”

For Velo, it’s his first appearance at state.

“I feel pretty good about making it to state, its pretty cool to be able to go to Houston and to place in state, ” Velo said. “I mean really just work hard and give every match everything i got, and put people to their back and thats it.”

Although most Redhawks will have a day off on Friday, these three wrestlers will be on the mat chasing a championship. To make sure they are ready, Randolph is being extra careful with preparations.

“I’ve been staying hydrated and had a clean diet as well as taking it somewhat easy at practice because I don’t want to get injured before the meet,” Randolph said. “I’m a senior so this will be my last wrestling match so it’s kind of sad but at the same time I’m glad to see how far I’ve come.”

Having three Redhawks qualify for the state tournament continues the success of the school’s wrestling program. 

“It’s always a good thing to have kids go to state, it’s one of those highlights of the program, of the year,” Koons said. “We’ve been blessed to have kids make the state tournament for the last 15 years, ever since I’ve been here we had kids going and years even before I got here, so we want to keep with that trend and it’s always exciting to have kids have the chance to compete at the state tournament.”