Stillwater boys JJ McComas, LaDarion Lockett and Aydan Thomas completed their state tournaments as champions Saturday on the State Fairgrounds Area in Oklahoma Metropolis.
As a crew, the Pioneers scored 110.5 crew factors, trailing solely Edmond North (260) and Bixby (129.5).
Landyn Sommer and Julio Aguirre have been second and Stockton Allen positioned fourth.
Coach Ethan Kyle started his tenure at Stillwater with three crew titles, so he stated he felt like a unique coach on the ultimate day of the event given the person objectives for his wrestlers.
“Various these guys have greater issues on their minds. So it's not nearly attaining it, it's about the way you do it,” Kyle stated. “Greater than something, they need to proceed to develop of their journey, and this can be a huge stepping stone to do this.
“It's extremely thrilling to have these guys who go to the following degree and people guys who come again hungry.”
McComas comes out on high
Successful a second state title had huge legacy implications in JJ McComas' eyes.
The 132-pound senior instructed the Information Press that his 14-Three main resolution over Bixby's Isaiah Jones was as a lot a aid because it was a validation. He gained as a freshman however then misplaced to Zach Blakenship and Gage Walker, who’ve three and 4 straight state finals titles, respectively.
Kyle stated McComas “leveled up” after these losses.
“He's stepped up and that's one thing you need as a coach however you don't all the time get. Some folks sort of stopped the event,” Kyle stated. “To be part of this, I'm fortunate and blessed. And to have the ability to level to future generations of men attempting to do what he did, it's an excellent instance.”
After the win, McComas signaled OSU, the place he’ll proceed his wrestling profession.
He has been a lifelong Oklahoma State fan. His grandparents went there and his mom and aunt have been maids there.
“We're deep within the wrestling dynasty, so I'm actually joyful to go there and hopefully get on the mat and carry out in addition to I can,” McComas stated. “I need to be nationwide champion, however in any case, I need to be world champion.”
McComas might be on the Pittsburgh Wrestling Traditional in late March and the U20 World Workforce Qualifier this summer time.
“It's not over for me,” he stated.
Aydan Thomas unchallenged
Aydan Thomas dominated the 113-pound bracket en path to a second straight state title.
“I stayed constant all through the event,” Thomas stated. “I doubt I bought the job this 12 months. At any time when I might, I used to be in that room working.”
He hasn't stopped working — not since he graduated as a freshman within the semifinals.
“That undoubtedly caught with me — it made a bit hearth, I suppose you might say,” Thomas stated. “I'm coming for all of that.”
Now, he's one of the crucial underrated recruits within the state.
“Aydan's first 12 months in comparison with now, simply two years in the past, day and evening he has matured and remodeled. I've wrestled him right here and there, and that child can wrestle little doubt,” Kyle stated. “It's actually fulfilling as a coach to speculate after which have somebody drink the Kool-Assist and actually need it after which get to expertise success.”
LaDarion Lockett units his sights on historical past
LaDarion Lockett barely smiled after profitable his third state championship — a 20-6 main resolution over Sand Springs' Zander Grigsby.
As a result of whereas Saturday was an finish level for a lot of fighters, Lockett is simply three-quarters of the way in which by means of the purpose he's had for longer than he's been a Pioneer.
“I’ve to make the final one to make historical past,” Lockett stated. “I've bought to maintain working, don't get too huge and suppose it's mine to lose.”
For all intents and functions, the illustrious fourth state championship is up for grabs. He’s recruit no. Three of the category of 2025.
So how does a fighter who completed the 12 months 40-1 keep motivated? The second quantity.
Joe Sealey of Wyoming Seminary in Kingston, Pennsylvania defeated Lockett Three-2 within the semifinals of the IronMan Wrestling Event.
“My household by no means shuts up about it. It places me to sleep excited about it, Lockett stated. “All of the folks round me make sure that I keep humble and nonetheless practice, and after I don't, they let me know.”
Relating to teaching Lockett, Kyle stated, he simply pinches himself.
“I'm glad to be right here with him and his complete household on the journey,” Kyle stated. “The sky is the restrict for him. Bodily, his mind – it's merely unmatched.
“Discuss beating the Olympic World Champions now. He thinks it belongs to him.â€
In two or three years, Lockett will dominate in an orange jersey.
“I'm so grateful he's going to Oklahoma State so I can watch him compete immediately in all of the occasions at house and assist him in any approach I can,” Kyle stated. “I say as soon as in a lifetime, however Cael Hughes might be on the point of explode at that degree. I’m very grateful to be part of the Stillwater wrestling group and all that it brings.”