Wrestling with experience

ROYAL CITY – Returning state placers Alondra Morales and Emma Villa are two of the six Knights traveling to Tacoma for the girls 2A/1A/2B/1B state tournament this weekend.

Joining Morales and Villa are freshman Sharon Arroyo (100), sophomore Lauren Jenks (130) and freshman Briannah Quintero (130), who all qualified for state in their respective brackets. Freshman Analy Castillo (235) is an alternate.

“They’re nervous a little bit, but more than that, they’re very excited that the time has come for the big dance,” Royal girls wrestling Head Coach Jesus Carlos Villa said. “They’ve been working really hard, and they’re excited.”

Morales was a champion in the 140-pound bracket at the 2022 Mat Classic, while Villa was the runner-up in the 155-pound bracket.

“They’re excited, they’re also a little bit nervous because they put a little pressure on themselves to try and give a good performance,” Villa said. “They feel like they want to represent their school and themselves well this weekend.”

The duo, who both reached the finals of the 2A/1A/2B/1B Region 4 tournament at Rogers High School in Spokane last weekend, have been instrumental in guiding the younger Knight wrestlers along throughout the season and in preparing for the upcoming state tournament, according to Villa.

“That’s been one of the keys this year, that we have Emma and Alondra that have that experience and they’re mentoring these younger girls that are sophomores and freshmen,” Villa said. “They have that experience to say ‘Don’t hesitate.’ At this tournament, it’s the person that’s the most willing and has the least mistakes.”

With Arroyo, Jenks, Quintero and Castillo all being underclassmen, Villa said the Knight wrestlers have been setting an example for future wrestlers to come through the program.

“They’re setting the standard high for the rest of the girls coming into our program,” Villa said. “It’s great to set that high standard, and hopefully it’s a good example for the incoming girls that it doesn’t matter what grade you’re in, you can still compete with the old girls.”

With the goal of reaching state already accomplished, the mentality has shifted to placing, according to Villa.

“Right now, our goal is just to come home with some hardware,” Villa said. “They’re all excited because it’s the first time that we’ve ever got a group this big going to state.”

Royal state wrestlers

Boys

Freshman Dennis Hernandez (113)

Junior Adam Garnick (170)

Girls

Freshman Sharon Arroyo (100)

Sophomore Lauren Jenks (130)

Freshman Briannah Quintero (130)

Senior Alondra Morales (145)

Junior Emma Villa (170)

Freshman Analy Castillo (235)*