For the Rangers’ wrestling team, the New Year has been eventful, to say the least. With participation in three separate tournaments, including the much-anticipated Ranger Classic, hosted by Jesuit, along with the news of team captain Shane Ross ’15’s college commitment, 2015 has brought much excitement for the squad. However, the new year has not come without new problems, with fickle performances and unfortunate injuries plaguing the Rangers as well.
The year began with the Texas Outlaw tournament in Allen over Christmas Break. Here, Jesuit faced some stiff competition, some of the hardest of the year, ensuring that the Rangers weren’t regressing as the State tournament series inches closer and closer.
Jesuit wrestled only three guys in the following tournament, the Cougar Classic in The Colony. However, things took a turn for the worse when one of these three, senior leader Michael Ingram, broke his leg while on the mat. The injury came as a shock to his teammates and coaches, putting a temporary damper on the team’s road to February Regionals, as his final year on Varsity will surely come to a close. “It’s unfortunate because he’s come such a long way,” said Head Coach Ryan Menard, expressing sympathy for one of his star wrestlers. His teammates also offered their condolences:Â “Michael’s injury has really devastated us. He was a great leader, wrestler, and asset to our team,” said fellow senior Shane Ross.
Despite this devastating injury, “the prognosis is very positive” and he is expected to make a full recovery. This shortcoming may have been a blessing in disguise for the Varsity squad, who are using it as inspiration to perform to the best of their abilities. “Michael’s injury has also proved extremely motivating for our program. We are now inspired to win for Michael and I think this newfound passion will translate into an incredible performance at districts,” continued Ross.
Furthermore, to add to this unfortunate event, another wrestler was also beset by an injury: Shane Ross. However, despite struggling with this nagging pectoral injury, Shane finished 4th at the Cougar Classic, unfortunately losing to a familiar foe and State wrestler from Rockwall. He noted that his injury isn’t serious and that he “will be one hundred percent by districts.”Â
Shane abstained from participation in the Ranger Classic and other duals following the tournament in order to be healthy and possibly repeat the success he encountered at last year’s State tournament. “Collectively, we decided that resting is the best thing for it to heal,” said Menard.
The Rangers again wrestled a small group of guys at the Ranger Classic, resting some in preparation for the upcoming Regional tournaments. Despite the small numbers, a bright spot emerged as Dylan Yhap ’15 made his season debut, placing third in his weight class, a “very positive performance” according to his coach Menard. “It’s nice to have him back on the mat competing,” he complimented. His emergence will surely soften the blow of  Ingram’s injury.
Also taking some pressure off the team was Reagan Mathes ’15, who returned from injury to win a match in the tournament.
In addition, wrestlers Antonio Hernandez ’15 and Gustavo Saucedo ’16 participated in the Ranger Classic, but weren’t able to find as much success as a result of drawing highly-ranked opponents early on, including the number one wrestler in the state. The level of competition in the tournament, described as “tough” by Menard, helped to prepare Jesuit’s wrestlers for the difficult opponents they will face in upcoming tournaments.
On the JV side, the Rangers were able to find success in front of their home crowd. Three wrestlers placed first, second, and third respectively: Matt Schonberg ’16, Ethan Arthur ’18, and Blake Heckel ’17. As the season draws to a close, the Junior Varsity is improving rapidly and consistently placing, foreshadowing auspicious results for the future Varsity team.
Overall, the tournament was a success and lived up to expectations. Menard was extremely grateful toward all the parents who contributed to the tournament’s prosperity, describing their integral support as “awesome” and adding, “We couldn’t have done it without them.”
Menard touched on the importance of the tournament, saying that he uses it as a benchmark to prepare his wrestlers for the tournaments that really matter in February. “In the scheme of things, it’s important to start to be performing at your best going into the State tournament series, so I think [the Ranger Classic] is important in that sense.”
After wrestling in the Ranger Classic, Jesuit concluded the regular season, tournaments, duals, and all, with their final dual against Lake Highlands on January 20th. The Rangers fared rather well against the “toughest team in the district,” with Dylan Yhap and Reagan Mathes losing several hard-fought matches and Antonio Hernandez winning at the heavyweight.
When asked what his wrestlers needed to do during the two-week break before the postseason tournaments begin, Menard unequivocally responded, “We need to improve on our workouts and get refocused… We have a couple weeks before the District tournament to prepare, so hopefully that will give our guys enough time to get ready, get healthy.”
Amidst the anticipation and sometimes turbulent preparation came an important announcement: Senior captain Shane Ross will be continuing his wrestling career in college after choosing to sign with Wesleyan University, a prestigious Division III university in Connecticut. “I’m really excited about wrestling next year at the collegiate level and elevating my skills as a wrestler. I hope to continue to improve in college and pursue an NCAA national championship,” Shane said about his collegiate wrestling goals.
Shane has made unparalleled contributions to the team throughout his four years at Jesuit with his exquisite technique, admirable work ethic, and strong leadership. He summarized his senior year experience as successfully rewarding, appreciatively disclosing:
“As a team, we have improved greatly this year. Many of our new freshman have really picked up the new technique and I believe they have a bright future ahead of them. Our Juniors have also stepped up and really proved their leadership. I feel confident leaving the team in their hands. Next year, I will truly miss the sense of closeness and unity I have with my team. I am leaving many good friends and hope I can continue to keep in touch with them in college.”
Congrats on your commitment, Shane. We expect big things from you in the future.
However, his season is not over yet. Cheer for him and other Ranger wrestlers at the District tournament on February 7th as they look to advance to State!
