WRESTLING CLINCHES LHSAA DIVISION I STATE TITLE

Posted February 6, 2024 / Last updated February 13, 2024

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Lance Nicoll Photography

The wrestling team clinched the LHSAA Division I state championship for the second consecutive year, amassing 321 points at the event held in Bossier City’s Brookshire Grocery Arena. This victory not only underscored Jesuit’s prowess on the mat but also highlighted the program’s long history of success, marking the team’s 25th overall title.

Reflecting on the team’s stellar performance and the significance of back-to-back titles, head coach Jon Orillion ’01 shared, “The guys have really worked all summer, all year, to see it come together like it did.”

Three Jesuit wrestlers emerged victorious in their weight classes, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Senior Spencer Lanosga, a three-time state champion, showcased his unmatched ability by pinning all five opponents in the first period, a testament to his status as a nationally ranked heavyweight and a future U.S. Naval Academy athlete. Junior Bodi Harris and senior Jackson Calderaro also clinched titles in the 120 and 215-pound divisions, respectively, with Harris becoming a two-time state winner.

Lance Nicoll Photography

The championship was a testament to the team’s hard work, as noted by Orillion, who expressed his pride in the team’s achievement. “We set ourselves the goal to come in here and do it again like we did last year. The guys have really worked all summer, all year, to see it come together like it did,” he told Crescent City Sports.

He highlighted the significant role played by Lanosga, Harris, and Calderaro, praising their leadership and the example they set for younger team members.

Further adding to the narrative, Lanosga shared his reflections on his high school wrestling career and the bright future he sees for Jesuit wrestling. “This is the deepest team I’ve ever seen. We’ve got backups and third-stringers who I believe, I know, could easily have placed in this tournament,” Lanosga mentioned in an interview, emphasizing the strong foundation laid for continued success.

Lanosga, in discussing his journey and the team’s future, remarked, “I couldn’t help but tear up right after the match just because of the sheer fact that I won’t be able to wrestle in this blue and white again. But, you know, three-time is pretty awesome.” His emotional reflection, shared with Crescent City Sports, underscores the deep personal connections formed through the sport and the lasting impact of Jesuit wrestling on its athletes

The Blue Jays’ achievement was not just a series of personal victories but a collective effort that underscored the depth of talent and the strong sense of community within the team. With promising young wrestlers ready to step up and a legacy of excellence to uphold, Jesuit’s wrestling program is well-positioned to continue its dominance in the years to come, aiming to keep the trophy on Carrollton & Banks for the foreseeable future.

Individual Results

  • 106 pounds: Michael Barnett, 2nd place
  • 113 pounds: Max Belsome, 4th place
  • 120 pounds: Bodi Harris, 1st Place
  • 126 pounds: Jose Rincon, 2nd Place
  • 132 pounds: J.P. Webre, 2nd Place
  • 144 pounds: Isaac Orillion, 2nd Place
  • 150 pounds: Wyatt Mire, 4th Place
  • 157 pounds: Harris Treuting, 2nd Place
  • 165 pounds: Arthur Schott, 4th Place
  • 175 pounds: Patrick Matthews, 3rd Place
  • 190 pounds: Cam Himel, 5th Place
  • 215 pounds: Jackson Calderaro, 1st Place
  • 285 pounds: Spencer Lanosga, 1st Place
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Paul Karge/ The Times
Paul Karge/ The Times
Paul Karge/ The Times
Paul Karge/ The Times
Paul Karge/ The Times
Paul Karge/ The Times