Thursday, March 28, 2024

Southlake Wrestlers Excel At National Tournament

Eight wrestlers representing the Southlake Wrestling Club in Southlake made the trip to Las Vegas last weekend for the NUWAY Southwest Kickoff Classic.

Nicknamed the “The Freak Show of High School Wrestling” for its talented field of competitors and date right before Halloween, the tournament featured wrestlers from 34 states and more than 2,500 competitors at the Rio Hotel Convention Center. The eight Southlake wrestlers ranged from sophomores to seniors. The team fared well, winning several matches in the opening rounds of the tournament.

Carroll sophomore Jack Duval and senior Michael Basler (pictured right with his father Mike) made the most of their opportunities by winning multiple matches to advance into the second day of competition. Basler, who took 5th in the UIL state tournament last season and returns as one of the top ranked wrestlers in the state, made an impressive run to take 3rd place in his weight class of more than 70 wrestlers. After dropping a close decision in the opening round of the tournament, Basler reeled off eight consecutive wins, including six pins to take the Bronze.

This pre-season tournament showed a glimpse of what the Dragon wrestling team will have to offer this season. The team starts the UIL season with its first official practice on Nov. 11 and will hold its annual Green & Black intersquad meet on Thursday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. at Carroll High School. The Dragons kick off district competition the following Thursday, Nov. 21 vs. Timber Creek at Carroll High School, JV starts at 5:30 p.m. and Varsity at 6:30 p.m. The Timber Creek dual is also Dragon Youth Wrestling Night.

 

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Photo of a solar eclipse