With district’s end coming closer, The Lions boys wrestling team has been attending more and more meets trying to gain as much experience before the final district meet on Feb. 5 and Feb. 6.

   Among the more recent meets they have attended, one of their better performances was at the Delco Center, The Centex Invitational. This was a 39 team tournament in which The Lions placed third. Tournament Champions were Jonathan Flores, senior, and Brett Wharton, senior. Coming in third was Aaron Franklin, senior, and Marco Salais, sophomore.

  During The Backyard Brawl against Cedar Park, The Lions did a great job, and unfortunately it came down to the last match to decide that close 37-34 loss.

  At the Vista Ridge Dual, Flores and Salais led the team, but was not able to pull them through.

   Kevin Smith, coach, and the team would like to thank all who came out and showed their support, as well as invite everyone to the next home match Jan. 19, where they hope to “wrestle” the Westlake Chaps.

The Leander wrestling team received second place overall in the Capital Classic Wrestling Tournament on Saturday, Nov 20.

   The varsity team was led by Jonathan Flores (12^th grade), and Brett Wharton (12^th grade), who both won first place in their weight categories, along with Chris Giddens (10^th grade), winning 3^rd place and Chris Schofield (12^th grade), winning 4^th place.

   The JV team had a first place medal won by Locksley Shoemaker (9^th grade). Five second place awards were given to Mark Gao (11^th grade), Scott Gross (11^th grade), Michael Lecaros (9^th grade), Michael Nguyen (11^th grade), and Brandon Speir (9^th grade). Two third place awards were given to Jason Biggs (10^th grade), and Mitch Conley (9^th grade), and one fourth place was achieved by Chase Thurman (10th grade).

   The wrestling team has begun their season with a bang, creating high expectations for the matches still to come.

    Flores will make his 2^nd appearance at State and Kempers is only the 2^nd wrestler from Leander to win his weight class at Regional competition. Boosters for the wrestling team would like as much support as possible in the form of fans at the upcoming competition.

   Also, a major fundraiser is underway for the team running Feb. 15-20. By eating at Pluckers during this time, 20 percent of food purchases will be donated to the wrestling team. Teachers will receive a free appetizer Feb. 19 by presenting their badge. Be sure to mention the LHS Wrestling Team when ordering.

By Cody Zivley

   Jadon Kempers is a senior on the varsity wrestling team who has recentley qualified for the state level wrestling competition to be held Feb. 26-27 at the Austin ISD Delco Center. Last year Kempers was chosen to be a UIL alternate for the team.

Q: What were your first thoughts when you qualified for state?

A: I was happy, because last year I missed going to state by one point.

Q: What college or University are you planning to attend?

A: The University of Oklahoma.

Q: Will you continue to play sports in college?

A: Yes, I want to play football as a preferred walk-on.

Q: Was Oklahoma your first choice?

A: Yes, I had a couple of D-3 schools looking at me but they didn’t offer enough.

Q: What do you plan to major in?

A: Buisness.

Q: Was  football or wrestling your first choice as sports to play in college?

A: If football doesnt work out I’ll switch to wrestling.

Q: What are you going to miss about high school?

A: Being able to play two sports.

Q: What advice would you give the upcoming freshmen athletes?

A: I’d tell them to work hard no matter what their talent level is because it will show on the field.

Q: Do you prefer football over wrestling?

A: I love both of them equally.

Q: Whats your favourite sports team?

A: Houston Texans.

Q: If today were your last day of high school, what would you tell the freshmen starting their first?

A: Relax and have fun.