When Chase Betzer saunters onto the mat for the first time at a wrestling meet, he usually stands out in his 130-pound weight division.

Actually, he usually stands over the division, in a sense both figurative and literal.

At almost 5 feet and 11 inches tall, Betzer belies the typical body type of an elite 130-pounder. And there’s nothing typical about his success: the Westlake senior recently won the 130-pound regional title for the second consecutive year while becoming the first wrestler in school history to qualify for state in all four years.

Betzer will join four other Chaps at the state wrestling meet Friday and Saturday at Austin’s Delco Center. Senior classmates Sawyer Morris (160 pounds) and Peyton Burns (152) both defended their regional titles, and Burns will seek to protect his state championship. Senior Jim Giankapolous qualified for the state tournament at 140 pounds, and junior Trevor Hershey earned his first trip to state in the 171-pound division.

Based on his experience and execution, says Chap coach Patrick O’Harra, Betzer’s success should continue against the state’s elite grapplers.

“He’s got a tough class and a tough draw, but Chase can beat any kid there,” O’Harra said. “He doesn’t have that short, stocky body you usually see at 130, but he’s such a technician. He’s been wrestling so long, and his technique is so good. That’s how he wins matches.”

Betzer’s technique is rooted in the sport’s fertile Midwest soil. Both his parents grew up in Iowa, and his father, Mike, founded the groundbreaking Westlake Youth Wrestling Club more than a decade ago.

“My whole family is from Iowa, and it’s pretty big up there,” Chase Betzer said. “When I go up to the family reunions, that’s what everyone is always talking about.”

Betzer could give his kinfolk plenty to talk about over pork chops and ears of corn at the next family get-together. He began competing for WYWC in the second grade, and he’s toned a technique that takes full advantage of his long reach and lanky build.

“Being longer helps with leverage,” Betzer said. “I’m maybe not as strong as a short, stocky kid, but it’s not a big problem. I’m strong enough.”

Last year, Betzer finished third at the state meet with his only setback coming against The Woodlands’ Erik Spjut, who earned Wrestler of the Meet honors.

Betzer has accumulated a 32-4 record this season, and three of those losses came during a brief foray in the 135-pound division. His only loss at 130 pounds came in an Oklahoma tournament earlier this year.

More importantly, Betzer has had success against some of his fiercest state competitors. Clear Lake’s Matt Green, the Region II champion and one of the top contenders for a state title, fell to Betzer 6-1 in last year’s third-place match.

“But that’s last year,” O’Harra warned. “Chase will have to go out and wrestle his match. It’ll be tough, but he has a great shot at winning a title.”

What: UIL wrestling championships

When: Friday and Saturday, beginning at 9 a.m. each day

Where: Delco Center, 4601 Pecan Brook Dr., Austin

Who: Chase Betzer (130 pounds), Jim Giankapolous (140), Peyton Burns (152), Sawyer Morris (160) and Trevor Hershey (171).