Three returning state placers lead Royal girls wrestling

ROYAL CITY — With returning state placers and a growing program, Royal's girls wrestling coach Jesus Carlos Villa said it’s shaping up to be a good season. 

Three of the returning Knights wrestlers — juniors Sharon Arroyo and Analy Castillo and senior Lauren Jenks — placed at the 2024 Mat Classic, Villa said. 

“And I have a couple girls who were right on the edge, maybe a match or two from going to the state tournament,” he said.  

After one week of practice 26 girls had turned out, he said, with a lot of interest from freshmen and sophomores. 

“Our freshmen - that group seems to be getting bigger. Which is a good thing, I think, for the sport because it shows how quickly it’s growing,” Villa said. 

The mix of experienced and young players is a good thing for the program, he said. 

“That makes it super, super fun for me and for the younger group of girls. It’s easy for them to get motivated when their teammates encourage them and show them what they’ve been doing, what works for them,” Villa said. “It’s nice to have those returning state placers to mentor the younger girls.” 

The Knights will have a couple of matches in their home gym, and Villa said that too is a motivating factor. 

“They’re super-excited to be able to show their friends and families, show people in the community what the sport is about,” he said. “They also work hard, and they’re really good about putting on a show.” 

Changes may be coming to the girls state wrestling tournament — all classes from 2A on down were in one combined division for Mat Classic 2024. That may be changing for Mat Classic 2025, with 2A competing as its own class. Villa said that while it’s an accomplishment to compete and win against 2A wrestlers, the change may give more girls a chance to compete at the state level. 

“I’m excited; the girls are excited,” he said. 

    Royal junior Analy Castillo is victorious in a match at the Mat Classic 2024. Coach Jesus Carlos Villa said veteran wrestlers like Castillo are mentoring the team’s freshmen and sophomores.
  

    Senior Lauren Jenks, Royal, puts an opponent at a disadvantage in the Knights’ home tournament.