By Weston Irons Posted February 18, 2015
Wrestling is one of the most prized possessions of Lowry. If there is anything to count on, you can always count on Lowry wrestling being dominant and being a contender in any kind of competition. Lowry wrestling is among the top wrestling programs, not just in the state but the nation.
Lowry fell just short of the seventh state championship title but that does not overshadow what they have accomplished this year. The wrestlers broke a record that they have been working to surpass since 2009. In the year 1979, Yerington set the record with 107 straight dual wins. After this season, that record stood no longer. With 108 straight dual wins, the record was now theirs.
Unfortunately, the season ended in a disappointing fashion as Pahrump Valley came from behind during the second day of the state tournament to win with a grand total of 124 points, it was just not the Buckaroos’ day.
Despite the second-place finish, senior Anthony Hummel remains optimistic and confident in the wrestling programs coming years.
“We put in a lot of hard work this year and were able to do some great things like beating the dual record. It was a heartbreaking ending to the season with the loss of the consecutive state title run. I think as a team it’s going to make us better in the long run and hopefully, they come back and start it again,” said Hummel.
Beau Billingsley joined his brother and cousin by winning four consecutive individual state championships. Senior Gabe Molina got his first individual state championship. Kevin Blanco placed second at 132 pounds. Luis Cardenas and Shaun Mentaberry both had third-place finishes. Freshman Nathen Blanco and Trase Bell finished in fourth place.
Beau Billingsley was proud to be a part of such an exceptional wrestling program.
“This season was incredibly special to me and all of my teammates, especially the seniors. It was truly an honor to be a part of the prestigious program at Lowry. We came out of the season with a state record for most consecutive dual wins which is something to be really proud of. In the end, we got second as a team and it’s not what we wanted but it is nothing to hang your head on. I was able to get my fourth straight title and that was something I’ve wanted for a long time so that was really special,” concluded Billingsley.
Luis Cardenas has a similar opinion on the year “It was a great season and we did a lot of good things. They worked hard and the coaches taught us a lot and pushed us. State wasn’t our best, but we battled hard the entire time. At the end of the day, I’m happy with the team and wouldn’t want it any other way,” finished Cardenas.
The wrestlers hope to pick off where they left off next season and add to the legacy that is Lowry wrestling.
Team Scores
Pahrump Valley 124
Lowry 110
Virgin Valley 94.5
Spring Creek 91
Churchill County 60
Clark 54
Faith Lutheran 47.5
Elko 47
Spring Valley 39
Boulder City 38
Results for wrestlers reaching at least 4th place.
113 pounds-Third Place
Jacob Baird VVL fall Nathen Blanco LOW 0:59
120 pounds-Third Place
Gino Gusman PMP fall Trase Bell LOW 1:55
126 pounds-Championship
Anthony Chavez SPC decision Kevin Blanco LOW 5-0
132 pounds-Championship
Gabe Molina LOW decision Alex Richardson WES 7-5
145 pounds-SemiFinal
Sam Brophy PMP decision Nate Nelson LOW 15-10
160 pounds-Third Place
Shaun Mentaberry LOW fall Jacob Pengally ELK 5:18
182 pounds-Championship
Beau Billingsley LOW major decision Jonathan Corrow PMP 12-3
195 pounds-SemiFinal
Abraham Preciado PMP decision Anthony Hummel LOW 6-4 OT
285 pounds-Third Place
Luis Cardenas LOW decision Jesus Olivas DSL 5-4