By Madalynn Tagle Posted Marc 28, 2025
The Lowry wrestling team had many accomplishments during the 2024-2025 season, including two individual state champions.
This year, the state championship was held in Fallon, Nevada, where Pete Bengochea and Jhett Harber both won state titles. Bengochea won a title in the 106-pound weight class, and Harber won his title in the 175-pound weight class. Coach John Brooks was satisfied with the results from the season, even with the slight worries that came along the way.
“We finished the year alright,” said Coach Brooks. “We had two state champions with Pete Bengochea and Jhett Harber. I was kind of mixed because we only took six kids to the state tournament, and usually you’re not going to do well with only six kids, but we ended up placing second in the state, so I am pleased with that.”
Bengochea had positive experiences with his 2024-25 season. There was a mixture of proud, nerve-racking, and exciting memories. There were also improvements made throughout the season.
“My proudest moment was when I won my state title,” said Bengochea. “My experience at state was fun and exciting but also nerve-racking. I improved myself and my relationship with teammates and coaches.”
The whole team had improvements that were noticed by Coach Brooks. There were five freshmen on the team this year, so the team was working with young wrestlers. The freshmen improved a lot, which brought the team to a good spot at the end of the season.
“Well, we started out with five freshmen, so we were young,” said Coach Brooks. “To have them come through and get better and better. Our younger group got a lot better. Just better wrestlers in general, so that is what put us in a good spot at the end of the year.”
One of the freshmen wrestlers was Odyn Santos, and this may be his first year on the Lowry High School wrestling team, but he has a past involving wrestling. He was able to go to the state tournament and won third in his weight class. There were also some improvements on his part that he noticed.
“This is my twelfth year wrestling,” said Santos. “State was a fun experience that I got to attend. I lost a match at state, but I still placed third. Throughout the season, I improved on my mentality and got better on my runs. I tried to improve on my shot this season, but I did not see the progress I would have liked.”
Harber, a senior, won his third state championship and appreciates all the support he has gotten from those around him. The support from his family and friends is what has motivated him to get to where he is now. These are so memorable to him when it comes to wrestling.
“My favorite memory these past years is spending time with my friends and family through wrestling,” said Harber. “I know that each and every one of them molded me and helped me reach the accomplishments I have today.”
Coach Brooks enjoyed how well the team bonded this season. It was a good year for the wrestlers and they were able to come together and work as a team. It was one of the best years that Coach Brooks has seen in the last couple of years when it comes to teamwork.
“I enjoyed how the kids got along,” said Coach Brooks. “One of our better years for a while, that they’ve gotten along and been able to work together as a team.”
The best memories for the season would have to be the number of improvements that occurred. Not only that, but the accomplishments made during the state tournament will be remembered by Coach Brooks and the wrestlers.
“It is always memorable when you get some state champions,” said Coach Brooks. “Watching Pete and Jhett. This was Jhett’s third one and Pete’s first one. Those are some pretty good memories for me.”
