Dual Accomplishment

WESLACO — Before Weslaco East could gear up for its Individual District Tournament which began on Thursday, the school just wanted to reflect after winning the district team duals title.

That feat was accomplished by both the boys and girls programs. The girls did it for the second-straight season while going unbeaten, while the boys settled for a tri-district title, but became part of a district championship for the first time in school history.

Head coach Roy Rokovich said wrestling at East is making great progress and is still growing.

“The interest has always been there,” Rokovich said. “You know me, I try to make it fun for them. They compete, there’s fierce competition. We’ve seen some success and it comes with hard work.”

Last season, the girls captured both team and individual district championships with five reaching regional competition. Out of the fab five, four of them came back for this season’s ride, including Annette Gonzalez in the 110-pound weight class. Going into Thursday’s action, Gonzalez embarked enjoyed an 18-1 record, including a perfect 7-0 mark in district. The senior now has her eye on state.

“I’m ready for it,” Gonzalez said. “I’m excited to see how it goes out in district.”

But the team also features some youngsters such as Nydia DeLeon. Only a sophomore, DeLeon looks every bit like a college student with her 5-foot-11, 185-pound frame and went as far as making it to regionals last year as a freshman.

“Since making it in my freshman year, everybody told me to expect big things, college wise, too,” DeLeon said. 
With a record of 5-2 in district, DeLeon credits her mother for having big hips, which enable her to use the hip toss as one of her favorite moves.

“They work all the time,” DeLeon said.

The way Eli Ocanas sees it, a tri-district title on the boys side is at least better than what they’ve ever accomplished.

“At least we made history,” said the senior. “It’s been an awesome thing.”

But he also realizes the boys have a great opportunity to have it all to themselves in the individual tourney.

“We know with the people we have, we’ll be good enough,” Ocanas said.