6A Boys: State Fan Guide

Last year was a monumental one when it came to 6A wrestling in the state of Texas.

After a 14-year run, a team other than Allen took the top spot on the podium when Arlington Martin secured a title.

Martin became the fifth school to win at least two state titles since it became a UIL sport in the 1998-99 school year.

Allen has 14, while Dallas Highland Park has five. Martin is now tied with Rockwall and Canyon Randall with two. 

Can Martin repeat?

That is one storyline but based on our rankings heading into state, Allen is the favorite to regain the crown.

However, Martin, The Woodlands College Park and Southlake Carroll are the next three in the rankings.

Allen has 8 qualify and two alternates. Martin advanced 10 and Carroll had 6 emerge from the same regional meet. College Park also has 10 going to state — and won the State Duals title over Martin in January.

In addition to the team hunt, Martin’s Isaak Arevalo is seeking a four-peat for the Warriors.

The senior will look to win a title at 126 pounds and carry a 34-0 mark into the state meet. 

The group that Arevalo is aiming for is a rather select one. Since 2010, only four wrestlers have won four titles. 

Three of those are from Allen: Braxton Brown (2018-21, Braeden Redlin (2015-18) and Nick Cobb (2010-13). The first to accomplish that feat was Nick Hermann from Amarillo Tascosa — from 2009-12 when there was only one wrestling class.

The other three won at least one title in 6A when UIL split into two divisions.

Arevalo is one of six returning state championships in this year’s field. We break down each weight class below.

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The favorite

Dylan Ota, jr., Southlake Carroll — He’s the defending state champion and is back so, hard not to think he can make it two in a row. He’s 41-3 this season and has medaled in both of his trips to state. 

The contenders

Hector Ortiz, so., El Paso Eastwood — Ortiz medaled last year and carries a 37-6 mark into state for the Troopers. He lost to Ota in the regional finals. 

Gianni Diaz, so., Allen — He’s 27-5 this year but has not lost to a wrestler from Texas — with defeats against Oklahoma, Iowa and California foes. 

The dark horse

James Weller, jr., Katy Taylor — He’s ranked No. 8 coming into state and sports a 37-5 record. He pinned his way to the regional title last week.