The Rocket boys wrestling team took home another team championship and broke numerous records at the 4A Tournament including 11 state medalists, which is also a new 4A record, and a record amount of points scored, scoring 215.5.

“We actually set the most team points record as a goal last year and we came up a little short. This year it was another goal of ours but also we wanted to try and score 200 pts as a team. To score 215.5, we accomplished our goal and then some,” coach Chris Saferite said. “We also had the goal of having 10 state placers, we were one situation away from going 12/12 but ended up with 11 placers. I am extremely proud of the guys for how well they wrestled. Even though some of them did not quite get what they set out for, they still wrestled outstanding.”

Senior Johnny Leck became a three-time state champion and finished the season with 155 wins, which is also a school record for the most wins.

“This year was fun to say the least,” Leck stated. “We were able to win our second state title as a team. This team is just a good group of guys to be around and I would take them anywhere with me. They’ll be back next year no doubt.” 

Senior Damon Ingram became a two-time state champion and also became the only wrestler in school history to go undefeated on the season.

“There’s no greater feeling than hoisting that trophy twice in a row, knowing you’ve left your mark on history,” Ingram said.

Senior Samson Whitted also became a two-time state champion. Along with Whitted, freshman Thunder Page became a state champion and became the second freshman to win state taking after Leck.

“The feeling is surreal and being surrendered by my dudes felt great,” Whitted said.

It was the perfect ending to an historic two-year run for the Rockets.

“Every year there are goods and bads at the state tournament, but how we overcome the bads is pretty special. You don’t always get what you want in life but you have to be able to hold your head high and overcome whatever those challenges are.” Saferite stated. “That’s what I am most proud of with these guys, even when their back is against the wall we find a way. Wrestling season is a long grueling season and we have a ton of expectations with these guys and they just handle everyday like champions do. I am very proud of each and everyone of them and all of our coaches. It is a true team accomplishment.”