Scheduling quirk starts 'Ridge wrestler on path toward state

By Randy Sachs

Special to The Keller Citizen

Paige Garcia had almost finished her freshman year of high school at Fossil Ridge when World Geography teacher and head wrestling coach Tony Lopez helped fill out her next semester's schedule.

That schedule allowed for a final period to be filled by wrestling, much to the chagrin of Garcia.

"He filled out the paperwork for my next semester and told me I should be wrestling," Garcia said.

"At first, I wasn't too fond of the sport."

Since then, Garcia has made two appearances in the state tournament, finishing third in her sophomore year and earning runner-up status last year as a junior.

Now in her senior campaign, Garcia is 15-0 and the favorite at 215 pounds. She said there's only one spot left to move up to.

"It's come somewhat natural to me," Garcia said. "My first year, I didn't really know anything and they just sort of threw me in."

Moving to the 215 division in her sophomore year came with a 15 pound drop, and now Garcia said her natural weight is closer to 210.

"I'm a lot stronger now, but I wish I was a little quicker," she said.

Garcia prefers to tie-up off the whistle to size up her opponent's strength and then go to her favorite move.

She then uses her strength to set up headlock throws from her feet and looks to use a power half-nelson when she's in the top position on the mat.

Helping keep her toned and in shape is workout partner Bryan Baker, the 220-pound Panthers wrestler who dropped down from the 285 weight class.

Baker is also making a name for himself this season, establishing a 20-5 record and coming off a championship performance at the Trinity Christian Academy Tournament two weeks ago.

The other undefeated Fossil Ridge wrestler is two-time state runner-up Dammion Heard at 120. Not only is Heard top-ranked in the state this year, but he is also showing up in national rankings.

Heard, in addition to picking up 27 wins thus far, has been named Most Outstanding Wrestler at two tournaments.

Another state tournament returnee for the Panthers is Hakim Sims, wrestling up at 113 most of this season. He was previously at 106.

Sims, 17-3, has picked up a first-place finish at Carrollton's Paul Aubrey Tournament.

"Overall, we have a young team that is getting better every day," Lopez said. "They know we need to be at our best in a couple weeks for districts."

"They are working really hard in the practice room, which will pay off for them at districts," Lopez said.

Garcia confirmed that the team has been putting in additional hard work as the qualifying tournaments draw closer.

"Practices are definitely getting harder and more focused, especially on our conditioning," Garcia said.

Most of the varsity lineup is freshman and sophomores, Lopez said. "Many have matured quickly and are competing at a high level on varsity. They are all looking forward to competing for a district title."

Fossil Ridge will compete at the District 4-5A tournament Feb. 1-2 at Keller High School.

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