Alexander’s wrestling programs look to continue to build on recent successes in 2024-2025.
Boys head coach Chad Robinson said his Cougars were region champs in duals last year and finished seventh at the state.
Meanwhile, new girls head coach Carsen Nelson is excited about having a full roster this year after having just two wrestlers a year ago.
Robinson spotlighted seniors Jimmy Smith (150 pounds), Cecil Barnett (215), Preston Duffy (126) and Roman Ochoa (150) during the recent Winter Sports Media Day.
Duffy was one match away from placing at state last year, and Robinson said he was a preseason top three in his weight class this year.
Ochoa placed at state last year, and Robinson said Smith and Barnett lost in the blood round at sectionals last year and just missed qualifying for state.
The Cougars were preseason ranked No. 10 in Class AAAAA and reeled off wins in their first eight matches of the season.
The lightweights and midweights, from 106 up to around 165, are strengths for Alexander, Robinson said.
Alexander’s boys have won 21 consecutive county championships, and Robinson said he expects to “continue the dynasty of Alexander” with No. 22 this season.
On the girls side, Nelson said with the jump in the number of wrestlers, the Lady Cougars will be able to compete in the region duals this year.
She spotlighted juniors Lillian Munoz at 130 pounds and McKenna Samuelson at 145 during the Winter Sports Media Day.
“They're awesome leaders on our team,” Nelson said. “We've got a full roster this year. So I'm super excited to see what they're going to do, how they're going to lead our team and hopefully they both go to state.”