Thursday, March 28, 2024

Dragon Wrestlers Compete at Elite Las Vegas Event

Eight Dragon wrestlers representing Lone Star Elite Wrestling competed in Las Vegas, NV last weekend at the NUWAY Southwest Kickoff Classic (a.k.a. The Freakshow).

The Freakshow is a nationally renowned preseason wrestling event for High School and Youth. At the High School level, the divisions consist of 15 & Under for freshman/sophomores, as well as, seasoned middle school athletes, a Varsity Division for athletes that are not yet at the Elite Level, and the High School Elite Division which boasts the Best Wrestlers in the Country. Dragon wrestlers have participated in this premier preseason tournament the past five seasons, in order to prepare for the upcoming UIL season.

The group had a great overall performance that included some of the best results ever posted at this event by Dragon wrestlers.

Senior Jack Duval, a returning UIL state placer and Varsity All-American at last year’s event, became the 1st Dragon wrestler to place in the High School Elite division. Senior Zach Francis, a returning UIL state alternate in 2015, made an impressive run to the Varsity 182 lbs. finals. Francis’s 2nd place finish topped 2014 UIL State Champion Michael Basler’s 3rd place finish in 2013, which had been the previous high for a Dragon wrestler in the Freakshow Varsity division.

Sophomore Cameron Haddock, a returning UIL state alternate in 2015, did double duty competing in both the 15U and High School Varsity divisions simultaneously over the 2-day event. He racked up 7 total wins over the weekend and reached the 15U 130 lbs. finals. He came up short in the finals and later defaulted in the true 2nd place match to finish in 3rd place.

Another Dragon sophomore, Andrei Steinjann, had a strong tournament tallying two victories by pin in the High School Elite division. Sr. Clay Vincent (2015 UIL State Qualifier), Sr. Nolin Wheeler, Jr. Jacob Mazey, and Jr. Zach Chelf were among the other Dragon wrestlers to compete in the event. This was a great showing for all of our wrestlers. All competed at a high level and have made huge strides in their preparation for the event, which will pay dividends in the upcoming UIL season.

The team will host their annual Green & Black intra-squad dual Nov. 12th 5:30 p.m. at Carroll High School. The UIL season will kick off with the Arlington Martin Warrior Invitational Nov. 20th & 21st.

Individual all-American placements at “The Freakshow”

  • Sr. Jack Duval 8th place in High School Elite 160 lbs.
  • Sr. Zach Francis 2nd place in High School Varsity 182 lbs.
  • So. Cameron Haddock 3rd in 15 & Under 130 lbs.
An image of a family bowling and dining

Photo of a solar eclipse