Morton Ranch's wrestling team has a dual record of 11-1-1 and has placed in the top five of every tournament they've entered so far this year.

"Our season is going real well," Morton Ranch coach Mark Balser said."We've had quite a bit of success in the various tournaments and duals that we've participated in."

The Mavericks' most recent win came at Mayde Creek's Ram Roundup where the overall team took first place, as did five individual wrestlers. Before the Ram Roundup, Morton Ranch placed at the Klein Oak, Richardson, and Katy ISD tournaments in both the boys and girls teams.

The boys team is lead by Justin Sanchez (103) with a record of 24-2 and Alex Martinez (215), whose record is 26-1.

"My top wrestler is probably Justin Sanchez. He's won every tournament, or placed second, that we've been in. He's looking real good at this point and time of the year," Balser said. "Another one of my outstanding wrestlers is Alex Martinez. He's won every tournament except one, where he placed second. His only loss came to the Cinco Ranch kid (Matt Stewart), who he avenged this weekend at the Ram Roundup."

Balser credits many of his other wrestlers to the team's success.

"I have some other kids who are kind of up-and-coming. Corey Barron (135), Patrick Cardillo (119), Austin Roche (140), Justin Ruiz (160), and Ryan Ruiz (189) have all been really big contributors," Balser said.

The girls team is in its second year and have been asserting themselves as a team to watch.

"We've really stepped it up a notch to where we almost fill out a complete line up," said Balser. "When we've been going to tournaments, we've been placing really well. We placed third at Klein Oak, second at Katy ISD, and first at the Ram Roundup. So they are really progressing." 

Returning this year, and leading the team, is 2007 state qualifier Ashley Campos (95). Balser also mentioned April Gonzales (102), who is new to wrestling this year, as a strong competitor.

Up next for the Mavericks is the Doc Hes Classic in Bryan.

"It's the largest tournament in the state so there will be a lot of teams. It features some of the best from Region 3 and Region 4," Balser said. "It's a great tournament to see what else is out there, not only within our region, but also the other region."

 
Balser knows there is tough competition out there and looks forward to seeing it.

"I believe the competition in Houston is greater and harder,” Balser said. “Houston is definitely highly competitive, especially within our own district.”

The Mavericks continue to grow and improve from last year. Balser said, "I don't have anyone in my program that has wrestled more than four years. Last year we had a strong dual team and placed in a few tournaments. So right now, we are in a good place."

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