Aledo looking to expand success

After a successful first two seasons from his wrestling program, Aledo coach Austin Stockon is set for - you guessed it - even more.

In the debut season of 2021-22, the Bearcats wasted no time in getting a state qualifier as Anson Din-Mbuh got there. Last season Chad Thomas became the first Bearcat to win a match at state, and was joined by then freshman Brice Bohn, an alternate in the 106-pound division.

Bohn, who was fifth at regionals, is back and is expected to compete in the 113 weight class this season.

Also, in their inaugural season Aledo had eight competitors place at district. That number increased to a dozen this past season.

"I am excited with the growth we have had. I credit a lot of this to the hard work the kids are putting in as well as the help of our local club, Texas Elite," Stockon said. "This is an amazing facility, and they are helping our kids develop so much more quickly than they would otherwise."

Other top returners for the Bearcats are senior Kyle Scharlow (150 weight class) and junior Sam Belyeau (165). Though neither placed at district, Stockon said he is excited about each for the coming season.

Also, sophomore Brady Powell (175) had an undefeated junior varsity season and "is going to make waves this year," Stockon said.

Newcomers for the boys who could make a quick impact include freshman Oliver Tatro (126) and senior Ethan Siklosi (175), a transfer from Weatherford.

Stockon said Tatro "is coming in with some wrestling experience and will make a great addition to the team." Of Siklosi, he noted, "He had a great season over there and I look forward to him ending his high school career with us." 

LADYCATS

Concerning the girls program, Stockon continued, "We have added a ton of girls to our program due to our middle school program last year. A bunch of these girls participated there or are going from other athletic sports."

Leading returners for the Ladycats are senior Rilei Blankenship (145), along with juniors Avery Kernan (107) and Kyra Wright (126), all regional qualifiers. Other key returners are sophomore Serafina Ceron (120), who was seventh at district, with juniors Arianne Mathias (138) and Baillie Sessom (185), all whom Stockon said are "showing signs of a great season." 

Also, Stockon said Jordan Clift Sr. (114) came out to wrestle this year. As a junior, she swam and ran cross country, plus she has a solid base in Jiu Jitsu. 

"I look for her to help us out tremendously," he said. 

PREDISTRICT/DISTRICT

Stockon noted that once again his wrestlers will be competing in some tough tournaments, including Arlington, Eaton, Colleyville and Chisholm Trail.

"These are all great 6A program schools, and we will be able to see good opponents from both 5A and 6A schools," he said.

"Our district is always pretty competitive. Azle always puts out a good lineup, as well as the schools coming from Lubbock. Springtown has quite a bit of returners this year, so I look for them to be pretty strong as well."

And about the region? Aledo competes in one of, if not the hardest region in 5A. Six of the top 20 teams at the state tournament came from the region, including the first-place team (Amarillo) Tascosa.

"I am super excited about this group. We are young, but have a bunch of hungry wrestlers who are willing to put in the work to be great," Stockon said. "I am also super excited at the young wrestlers we have coming up sixth grade through eighth grade. We have some kids who are winning youth state and coming to us with a ton of experience." 

Aledo opens the season on Tuesday, Nov. 7 at Chisholm Trail. Their first tournament is Nov. 10-11 at the Arlington Invitational.