AUSTIN – One day down and one to go as the wrestling state tournament began with a bang. Region III (which is where the Greater Houston area teams are from) was well represented in Austin for Day 1 action from the Austin ISD Delco Center.

As far as Houston goes for the boys division, there were quite a few guys who managed to pull out two wins to be in the driver’s seat for Saturday’s action. Some were slightly expected, but a few were big surprises.

One of those wresters was Cinco Ranch’s Matt Stewart, who is in the championship bracket at the 215-pound weight class. After districts and regionals, Stewart has yet to take home the gold. But Cougar coach Bill Dushane is excited about his Austin performance.

“Matt Stewart has the big crown on his head right now,” Dushane said. “He was second in districts, fourth in regionals and now he is in the semis. He is wrestling great. I’m pretty happy right now we are 7-1 with the boys.”

Stewart’s teammates Will Morris (180) and John Gioffre (285) are both undefeated and have continued that trend at state as well.

In the 112 weight class, Clear Lake’s Matt Green advanced to the semifinals. To start off Saturday’s action in the 125-pound weight class, Green’s teammate Chris Rivera will face off against The Woodlands’ Eric Spjut, a match between two guys who are from the same region.

Spjut has pinned his way through the competition in Austin and is the defending state champion.

“I think winning last year really took a lot of pressure off of me,” Spjut said. “This year I go in relaxed and just take care of business.”

Clear Lake also has a representative in the 130 class with Cailin Tutt, while the Woodlands’ Vasil Boasherliev (160) are both in championship contention. Sean Sanders (145) of Klein Collins has also landed himself a spot in the championship bracket.

Klein Collins coach Kenny Rucker has high hopes for Sanders.

“We have a 145-pounder, Sean Sanders who is doing a great job,” Rucker said. “He has a chance to make it to the finals and we have confidence in him to do this. We worked hard all season and I told the kids once we get here that I have given all of the tools they need. Now it’s up to them to use them.”

Houston Westside has a pair of wrestlers on track for the gold in Trent Murrell (160) and James Hazzard (171).

Round 2 of the girls results were not available at press time, but check back with The Athlete's Connection as we continue coverage of the 2008 Wrestling State Championships.

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