Region I wrestling tournament: Randall rallies
Raiders win 8th straight regional title
Posted: February 13, 2011 - 12:32am
By Terrence Hunley (Additions by Glen Cranford – MGC Videos)

Make it eight straight regional titles for the Randall Raiders.

The Randall boys wrestling team needed every bonus point it could muster to hold off El Paso Franklin, 206.5-179.3, to capture the Region I wrestling title at Randall on Saturday.

It is the Raiders 10th overall regional crown.

"I'm just excited," Randall coach David Quirino said. "It's a grueling tournament. We had a lot of points where kids came in and believed in our system and we believed in them and they made it happen for us."

The Raiders had three champions and qualified another five for the State Wrestling Championships in Austin Feb. 25-26. The top four wrestlers in each weight class qualify for state.

Jon Hunt had a big hand in helping the Raiders win, knocking off previously unbeaten Noah Killip of Azle, 3-1, in the 140-pound class.

After a scoreless first period, Hunt was able to put Killip on his back for two back points but Killip quickly escaped and the period ended 2-1. Hunt added an escape point in the final period.

"It feels good getting the big win." Hunt said. "We needed it because Franklin was getting pretty close. We all did our job and went out there and earned points. It's a great feeling to win it in front of the home fans."

Joining Hunt as champions were Braun Marquez (112) and Michiel Roberts (125).

Quirino was happy but thought his team could have won a few more matches.

"It is a distraction wrestling at home," Quirino said. "We got outwrestled some matches but then there were some matches that I don't think we should have lost. I'm happy with the win but I don't think we put forth the Raider product that we really have, especially after winning the Garden City tournament. But we got it done and now we are getting ready to go to state"

Hunt said it was the tough out-of-state schedule that helped the Raiders pull it off.

"The competition was tough but we were used to it with our out-of-state schedule," Hunt said. "The competition was pretty good here. We plan on going to state and doing well there, too."

Quirino and the Raiders now will chase their third state title.

"You look at our kids and I think we have the kids that can score a lot of bonus points," Quirino said. "You've got to win the matches, too. It's a two-week process that we've got to get ready for. We are going to get as healthy as we can. It's all about quality points."

Boys