Johnson's Ryan Noland in his opening match at the State Wrestling Tournament - photo by Glenda Rast
Johnson’s 2012 Wrestling season came to and end on Saturday where every High School Wrestling program strives to end, at the State Tournament. Traveling to Austin for the two day tournament were two Jaguars Ryan Noland and Ashley McCutcheon.
Noland was making his second straight trip to the State Tournament and would compete in the 145lb weight class. Noland would face off in the opening round of the bracket with a wrestler from region III and Clear Springs high School. Noland match would end tied in regular time at 3-3. In the sudden death over-time Noland would score first winning the match 5-3.
Noland would move on to the next round but facing a wrestler from El Paso Franklin would prove to be to much for the Johnson senior. Noland would just barely lose 3-4 to the Region I representative. the loss would send Noland into the consolation bracket and having to try and battle his way back into contention.
Saturday Noland would draw another region I wrestler this time from Chapin High School. Noland would easily eliminate his first opponent on day two by a score of 8-3. Nolands day and tournament would end in the next round as he could not get past a strong Creekview High School opponent 6-13.
Ryan Noland ends his career as a Johnson Wrestler as arguably the best wrestler to walk the halls of Johnson. Noland’s two trips to State and leading his team to three district titles and three years of duel meet success will be missed next year.
Ashley McCutcheon has been a trailblazer for Johnson girls wrestling all year. McCutcheon is CTJ first and only girl varsity wrestler and has improved all year. McCutcheon broke through with an amazing performance at the district meet and had an even better Region Tournament to make it to Austin.
Day One McCutcheon would pull a tough first match as she would face the eventual State runner up from Centennial High School. McCutcheon would be pinned in the second period and would move to the elimination consolation bracket and have to try and battle her way back into contention.
McCutcheon would post a 5-0 victory over her second opponent eliminating the Cinco Ranch opponent. Her win would end up being her only one as Saturday she would not get past her next opponent from Clear Springs High School.
Congratulations to Both Noland and Ashley on outstanding seasons and representing Johnson a the STATE tournament. The Johnson wrestling program ends its season and will carry over a three-peat district championship and a three year duel match undefeated record.
Photos by Glenda Rast from the State Tournament will be posted to the Jaguar Pride Photography Website. A special thanks goes out to Glenda for her great work as a volunteer taking photos this year at Wrestling events all over the State for the Jaguar Pride Association.
Go Jags!!!
