By MARIO AGUIRRE | STAFF WRITER
McAllen High boys wrestling coach Eduardo Villarreal can best attribute Angel Acosta’s ascension this season to his personal maturation.
Villarreal said the senior, who wrestles in the 152-pound weight class, is more meticulous in his approach to each match, thinking as far as three steps ahead in trying to take down his opponent.
“He puts himself in a position where he says, ‘I’m going to do this, and that’s going to help me get here, and then I’ll be there,’” Villarreal said. “He knows the end result and what it takes to get there.”
Acosta is coming off a first-place finish in the Dog Pound Classic last week, defeating Weslaco High’s Caleb Muniz 3-1 (fall, 1:53) to improve his season record to 18-1.
Villarreal lauds Acosta for his execution this season, saying he has a better understanding of the sport. In taking on a leadership role, Acosta was recently praised by Villarreal for his infectious personality.
“I told him, ‘You’ve come a long way, being able to talk to people, being able to persuade the team,’” Villarreal said. “He’s putting himself out there. He understands what he needs to do, and he’s taking care of business.”
Part of his growth stems from Acosta’s offseason workouts and studies. He reviewed film of his regional loss, among other matches, and put pressure on himself to reach state this year. Villarreal stresses to his wrestlers the importance of putting together “a perfect match” each time, and the Bulldogs have taken it in stride.
Along with Acosta, Antonio Carranza (285) also placed first at the Dog Pound Classic, helping McHi generate 96 points to finish in sixth place out of 14 boys teams.
HOT STREAK
Since failing to qualify at the UIL state tournament last year, PSJA High’s Joe Montemayor has been on a tear.
The senior, who generally competes in the 195-pound weight class, has built a 14-1 record this season, despite wrestling in the 220 division.
Coach Eloy Salinas credits Montemayor’s quickness, saying it has given him an advantage over heavier wrestlers. His only loss this year came during the Bears’ season-opener, when Salinas tinkered with the lineup and put Montemayor to wrestle a heavyweight. Since then, though, he’s been undefeated, winning the Mustang Invitational last week in the 220 class, despite nursing an ankle injury.
“He’s showing me a lot of drive and determination,” Salinas said. “He’s determined to get back to state and get on that podium.”
Montemayor has advanced to regionals twice, and made his lone state appearance last year. He opened the season ranked No. 9 in the 195 class by WrestlingTexas.com, and has distinguished himself as one of the area’s better wrestlers.
“I’m really proud of his work ethic,” Salinas said. “I wish we had more of him because of what he’s been able to do, going to regionals, going to state.
“He doesn’t take anything for granted, though, and he’s willing to put in the work.”
PRIZE WINNERS
La Joya Juarez-Lincoln won the District 16-6A duals competition on Thursday.
The boys team won for a second straight year, while the girls won for the fourth time in six years.