2024 Wrestling Region Qualifiers

On Saturday, Feb 3, Walnut Grove hosted Region Individuals for wrestling. Nine of the wrestlers from our team qualified for sectionals. 
by Noah Van Name

On Saturday, February 3, Walnut Grove hosted Region Individuals for wrestling. Region Individuals is an individual tournament for varsity wrestlers. If one places in the top four, he makes it to sectionals. During sectionals, if that person places in the top six, he has qualified for the state tournament. Nine of the wrestlers from our team qualified for sectionals. This means we have nine chances to graduate a state placer. The athletes have been training hard since October and are ready to handle the challenge. 

**Special thanks to  The Rosy Owl Photography 

Elijah Booth - Sophomore
Eli is a returning wrestler for The Grove. This is his second year wrestling, and his first year on varsity. He has made significant improvements in his skills this year and started on junior varsity but was suddenly pulled during the first home meet to wrestle varsity. Eli was nervous at first, but he wrestled hard. Since then, he’s wrestled varsity the whole season. Eli placed second in the region tournament. “I’m satisfied with the results of the region. The guy that won, he was good and really strong, but we’re not gonna get beat like that again. We learn from our mistakes, and we will be better.”

Graham Dawkins - Sophomore
Graham has been wrestling since middle school, and he is exceptionally good at it. He placed third at region. He trains every day and attends Roundtree Wrestling Academy with his brother, Zeb. Graham has been on varsity since his freshman year. His season record is currently 42-10, which is quite impressive for a sophomore. Graham stated, “This season has been much easier compared to last year; I have trained a lot more and it shows”.

Tony Bullon - Senior
Tony is a talented wrestler, and he is an excellent leader. Tony placed fourth in region. Seniors on the wrestling team have a duty to be leaders, and that is what he wants to be remembered for when he graduates. Tony first heard about wrestling from Christian Middleton-Perez, one of his friends. This is Tony’s second year wrestling, and he has improved drastically since last season and prepares to get better for sectionals. “I decided to train harder to be more incorporated as a leader, since I am a senior. I want to stand out and inspire others to do better,” Tony shared.

Ezekiel Adams - Junior
Ezekiel or “Zeke” is a prodigy. He and his brother Matthew spent all last summer training and getting better at wrestling. Zeke took second at region, falling short to Ely Raines, who placed second at state last year. This is Zeke’s second year wrestling, and he is ranked in the state. Zeke is also projected to go to state and place in the top six. His goal is to be a state champion before he graduates, which is highly possible considering his skill. Zeke is a junior, and this means his only chances to achieve his goal are this year and next year. Zeke stated his opinion on his placing at region. “I’m not really satisfied with what I placed. I went out there and fought hard, beat Aaron Davis, and Ely is next. I’m gonna come back and beat him.”

Tommy Butler - Junior
Tommy is resilient. He is hardworking and steps up when the team needs him. He is a heavyweight and remained tough during the region individuals. Tommy has to face bigger guys than him constantly and still dominates. During region, he easily cleared his way to the semifinals. Tommy could have made it to the finals and taken home first or second place, but there was a bad call by the referee. He lost the match and finished fourth. Tommy has high hopes for the end of his season, and is confident he can make it past sectionals.

Justice Vlahos - Senior
Justice is a wild wrestler. He placed second at region. Justice shocks his opponents with his aggressiveness and ferocity. His matches are either fast pins, or a six-minute domination. Justice has been wrestling since his sophomore year, and has been working hard with the team to get better. He and Brandon Rangel-Mendoza push each other during practice each day. Justice shared, “I’m never gonna move on from wrestling. I’m ready to end this year so I can eat what I want, but when I get in the Marine Corps, I am gonna join their team there. It will suck leaving everyone behind, but that’s how life goes.”

Brandon Rangel-Mendoza - Senior
Brandon or “Brandy” is a third year wrestler. He placed third at region. He is considered one of the best leaders of the team. When coach isn’t around, he is the one who brings the team together. He and Justice both display an excellent example of what to do as a wrestler. They keep each other in check, while leading the team in the right direction. Brandy is ready for sectionals. According to him, “I sort of am happy with how region went and sort of not. The kid I lost to, I’ve figured him out. If I see him again, I know I will win.”

Zeb Dawkins - Junior
Zeb has been wrestling his whole life. He took second at region. Ever since a kid, Zeb has been winning. His family is seriously dedicated to wrestling. They make sure that if he and Graham decide to wrestle, they are committed. When Zeb steps onto the mat, people expect him to have an easy win. He trains at Roundtree Wrestling Academy throughout every week with Graham. Zeb placed second at state next year and is expecting to win it all this year.

Christian Middleton-Perez - Senior
Christian is hard-working and dedicated to wrestling. This is his third year on the team, and he is very skilled. He is fast, strong, and athletic. Christian took 3rd at region. He barely lost to a phenomenal wrestler, and Christian almost pinned him. Christian is also a very good leader. If Brandy and Justice are currently not available, he makes sure the team is in order. Christian stated, “Pressure is privilege. Without the right pressure, I do not feel obligated to win. With the right pressure, you use it to help you win.”

​These athletes are ready to persevere through any challenge that is thrown at them. They have worked extremely hard this year, and it continues to show in their matches. Best of luck to all of the wrestlers in sectionals!