High school wrestling is one of the fastest-growing sports in Texas and the U.S. Wrestling’s explosive growth over the last 10 years is partly due to the popularity and participation of women’s wrestling, making it one of the fastest-growing female sports in Texas.
Cedar Ridge, McNeil, Round Rock, and Westwood high schools offer wrestling for boys and girls. Interested students can join the wrestling team or enroll in a wrestling class as an elective. Members of the wrestling team practice every day, starting in October, preparing for regional tournaments in February.
A wrestling match is six minutes of non-stop action. When opponents meet at the mat, and the whistle blows, the wrestlers perform takedowns, escapes, reversals and attempt to pin their opponent to score points during three two-minute periods. The wrestler who pins their opponent or has the most points at the end of the third period wins the match. In wrestling, points are awarded mainly based on control. Control occurs when a wrestler gains restraining power over an opponent by controlling the opponent’s legs and torso. Team scores are the combined value of the individual wrestler’s scores.
Students from our high schools have placed at State, and Round Rock ISD teams routinely compete in regionals, place in tournaments, and win District titles.
“Wrestling is a sport like no other. Each individual truly makes up the core of the team,” said Chad Dempsey, McNeil High School wrestling coach. “On the mat, these athletes learn that it’s their mental toughness, endurance, and skill that allows them to display the courage they need to overcome an opponent.”
Round Rock ISD students interested in wrestling are encouraged to contact your campus wrestling coach. New students returning to or have not attended a Round Rock ISD school need to enroll at their zoned high school online. If a student zoned to Stony Point High School wants to join the wrestling team, they should contact the coach at another District high school. If the student is accepted to the team, they will need to complete a school transfer request.
Coach Bresnehen, Cedar Ridge High School
Coach Dempsey, McNeil High School
Coach Hopkins, Round Rock High School
Coach Hackert, Westwood High School
