Maumelle Hornets dominate state wrestling championship

On Saturday, February 23, 2013, the Maumelle High School Wrestling Hornets won the first state championship of any kind in school history. It was total domination as the Hornets had the first place trophy even before the medal round took place. Beebe High came in second 93 points behing the Hornets, while Central Arkansas Christian finished in 3rd Place.

Our individual state champions include: Justin Butler (138 lbs), who pinned Clausen from CAC in the finals and finished with a 31-1 record, Daniel Viera (152 lbs), who defeated Summers from Mountain View in the finals 7-2 and finishes the season with a 33-7 record, Keon McVay (160 lbs) won a huge victory over Dempsey 6-5 from CAC and finishes the season with a 30-8 record. Arguably the most exciting final took place at 195 lbs, where sophomore Malik Singleton defeated Bentley from Little Rock Christian Academy in OT 4-2, he finishes the season with 22-4 record.

The Hornets also had Willie Wright (145 lbs) finished as state runner-up, Andrew Menchaca (106 lbs), Adam Nevarez (113 lbs), Cole Brained (120 lbs), Taylor Humphrey (126 lbs) and Keon Quince finished in third place. While Brendan Rancifer (132 lbs) and Gabe Crumley (170 lbs) finished in fourth place. Justin Butler also won the Outstanding Wrestler Award, Cole Brainerd won the Victory With Courage Award, and Coach Viera was selected the Arkansas Wrestling Association’s Coach of the Year.

“We received dozens of compliments from the coaches and parents of other teams on how well our wrestlers conducted themselves, the outstanding effort that they exercise and the great sportsmanship that they display,” said Viera. “All in all, it was a great day to be a Hornet.”

This team that brought Maumelle its first state championship will be expected to repeat next year, as there were no seniors on the starting lineup and all 14 live in the Maumelle-Oak Grove area.

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Published on February 25th, 2013