It’s a cross town showdown at state

School pride, everyone has it, especially if it’s against a rival. Going against a cross town rival for a spot at state makes the stakes even higher.

Junior wrestler Shane Brown fought his way through the district tournament and competed in the Regionals Tournament in Houston. He faced an opponent that was much unexpected. He wrestled a local rival team, Wylie High. If he wins the match he has a chance in wrestling at state.

“I was mad my opponent had challenged me and I had just lost my third and fourth place match,” Brown said.

Brown wrestled his rival, Alex Escoffee, as a challenge match, a match that any wrestler can compete in and try to win to take that person’s place. The match was a spot for fourth place and a chance at state.

“I went on a shot and my opponent sprawled,” Brown said. “I flipped him on the ground and received two take down points and three back points. I had the match under control it was pure excellence.”

He beat his Wylie High opponent 9- 1 and now is on his way to the Garland Special Events Center for another chance to win the state championship.

“When you’re at state you see what all your hard work has done,” Brown said.

He’s had 14 years of wrestling experience. This wasn’t his biggest accomplishment though. He had placed second in state his freshman year at his old school in Ohio. His future goal is to receive a scholarship to Ohio State University and to win a state championship.

“It’s plain and simple I am the best there is. I wake up in the morning and produce excellence I am a big hairy winning machine,” Brown said.