Special to the Picayune

In their second annual “Lunchroom Brawl” against Vista Ridge, a 40-28 setback couldn’t douse the enthusiasm generated by doing a good deed.

The traditional battle between Westlake and its District 26 rival Rangers took place during Dec. 10 before a lunchtime crowd at Westlake High School. The unique event allowed the student body to watch the meet, and it raised $277 for the Special Olympics Team at Westlake High School. Many of the Olympians were on hand to watch the meet and were recognized at a special half-time presentation.

“Since we are an athletic team, we wanted to support another local sports organization,” Westlake coach Patrick O’Harra said. “Since the Special Olympics Team is in our school, we felt it was the perfect match.”

Each year, the host team selects a charity to support. Last year, Vista Ridge donated the money raised from the event to the Leander-Cedar Park Youth Football Association’s Challenger Division, which is a program for athletes with special needs. 

The dual meet was a match-up of two of the best teams in Region IV, although the Chaps battled short-handed because of several competitors still missing because of Westlake’s extended football season. 

One of the most exciting bouts of the dual occurred quickly at 119 pounds. Westlake sophomore Connor Shults fell behind Vista Ridge’s Joe Wickman early but hit a lateral drop to take the lead. However, a controversial call awarded a penalty point to Wickman as time ran out, forcing sudden-death overtime, where Wickman scored the decisive takedown.

Westlake junior Chase Betzer earned a decision at 130, and classmate Jim Gianakopolous won by decision at 140. Sawyer Morris and Chris Aug pinned at 145 and 152, respectively, and Westlake co-captain Alex Hershey added another decision at 160.

Peyton Burns moved up two weight classes to 171 and dominated Hunter Fields, the third-ranked wrestler in Region IV, 11-1. 

“Peyton very selflessly agreed to give up nearly 20 pounds to wrestle up,” O’Harra said. “He did everything we asked him to do. He wrestled great.”

Westlake then had to forfeit three matches and couldn’t overtake Vista Ridge. 

“I would have liked to have seen us come through in those overtime matches, but to have kept the score that close with so many forfeits, I can’t complain,” O’Harra said. “Mostly, it was great for the guys to have their fellow students come during the day to watch, and we raised a lot of money for our Special Olympians.”

 

Team grabs silver at Pederson Invite

On Saturday, the team placed second in the 26th annual Russ Pederson Invitation at San Antonio Lady Bird Johnson High School despite not having four weight classes filled. 

Three Chaps claimed the championships at their weights, including undefeated grapplers Betzer (130) and Morris (145). Burns also won at 145. David Nickelatti was runner-up at 112 pounds, as was co-captain Neils Hazen at 135, and Gianakopolous at 140. 

Perhaps the best effort was turned in by junior Zain Khan, who placed third at 125. 

“Zain wrestled a great tournament,” O’Harra said. “He is improving every week, and it was nice for him to see the results of his work pay off.”

Alex Hershey placed third at 160, as did David Durham at 215.

The Chaps travel to Bryan for the Doc Hess Classic Saturday, which includes teams from all over East and South Texas. Westlake will defend the title won at the 36-team tournament last year.