Maverick Wrestling won their third consecutive Texas Prep State Championship back in April. The SPC tournament was canceled denying the Mavericks a chance for a sixth consecutive SPC title. St. John’s still had the opportunity to test against the best at the Prep National Open. The team sent 14 mat men to the Prep Nationals held at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, PA this past weekend. Duncan McLaren ’22, Tyler Langin ’23, and Sebastian Jimenez ’21 finished in the top 12. John Perdue ’22 landed in sixth place and brought home All-American honors.
“All of our wrestlers competed at a high level,” said Head Coach Alan Paul. “While many guys did not win a match, what they gained from the experience is invaluable. The younger guys were able to see that the success of our veterans is directly proportional to the work they put into practice.”
St. John’s was represented by 106-Barrett Mossman ’24, 113-Nick Plana ’23, 120-Matthew Perez ’22, 126-Sebastian Grannen ’23, 132-Ken Matsunaga ’21, 138-Wyatt Cyprow ’22, 145-Sebastian Jimenez ’21, 170-Stevie Otillar ’22, 170-Michael Daichman ’21, 182-Addison Spiegel ’23, 195-John Perdue ’22, 220-Tyler Langin ’23, 220-Duncan McLaren ’22 and HW-Eric Johnson ’21.
“They are exposed to the top competition in the nation,” said Coach Paul. “This is something that cannot be duplicated at home. The experience sinks in and they have that to motivate them for next season and beyond.”
St. John’s rolls up the mats for another stellar season. They reached top of the podium at the Prep State tournament. They battled delays and setbacks during the pandemic to finally compete in local, state and national events. While they graduate five seniors (Tommy Chang ’21, Michael Daichman ’21, Sebastian Jimenez ’21, Eric Johnson ’21, and Ken Matsunaga ’21), the Mavericks are primed for next season, having learned their lessons from their peers.
Sam Chambers- Athletic News