Special to the LPJ
Ruston High School wrestling wrapped up its first-ever appearance at the LHSAA State Wrestling Championships on Friday, sending nine athletes to compete on the sport’s biggest stage.
“This being our first year as a program, I don’t know that many people gave us much of a chance. To see how competitive we were and how close some of those losses were, I’m ecstatic about the future,” Ruston High Head Coach Jeremy Hebert said. “I’m incredibly proud of Robert Stevens for stepping into wrestling for the first time as a senior and finishing his career with a state appearance and a win. That says a lot about his work ethic and toughness. Our kids showed that Ruston wrestling belongs. This is just the beginning.”
On the boys’ side, freshman Luke Pendergrass (138), sophomores Cort Jarvis (150), Jailyn Williams (215), Isaiah Clinton (285), and senior Robert Stevens (190) represented the Bearcats. Williams opened the tournament with the first boys’ state win in program history and finished 1–2 on the day. Stevens capped off his lone season of wrestling with a state appearance and a win, also finishing 1–2.
The girls’ team made history of its own as juniors Laini Holloway (100), Robyn Harris (120), Josie Bishop (126), and Brynn Hightower (145) competed at state. Holloway recorded the first-ever win in Ruston High girls wrestling history, finishing 2–2 and just outside the consolation semifinals. Hightower also went 2–2, falling one match short of advancing to day two.
All Bearcat victories at the state tournament came by pin.
Season Summary & Looking Ahead
Ruston High wrestling completed its inaugural season with multiple state qualifiers, historic first wins on both the boys’ and girls’ sides, and a foundation firmly in place for future success. The Bearcats will host a spring wrestling combine and instructional sessions before school lets out for summer, while the club team will continue practicing and competing as the official Louisiana Folkstyle club season begins next weekend.
