TexasWrestling
Larson Hanks (Vernon HS)
2017 5A 182lb. State Champion
Larson Hanks is the first UIL Wrestling State Champ that Vernon High School has ever had and the first 5A State Champion in school’s history.
Larsons road to getting there was not easy. In 10th grade, Larson broke his fibula weeks before district. At the time, he was 11-2 and his only loss (with the exception of his inj. forfeit match) was to Devin McCord (Frisco Centennial HS). His junior year, he was off to a great start, with his only loss going into 2016 was to Alex Frometa (The Woodlands). In January, Larson suffered a medial meniscus tear in his left knee at the Vernon Red River Classic. While he was able to finish the tournament, he found out the following week that he needed surgery. With the doctor’s permission, Larson was determined to finish the season, hoping for a chance at state. Larson wrestled through the pain the entire post season, placing at both District and Regionals. After re-injuring his knee at the state tournament, he was not able to take Harley Coons (A&M Consolidated) for a chance to place.
Following the 2016 State Tournament, Larson had knee surgery and immediately began rehabilitation. He came back stronger than ever for the 2016-2017 season, moving up 30 pounds going into the 2016-2017 season. He had a few early losses, but came into 2017 determined… he went undefeated in 2017, pinning his way through both District and Regionals, with few matching going into the 2nd period. With how the Regional placements fell, Larson would have a very tough road at the State Tournament. He had to go through #2 Jacob Mauldin and #3 Javonte Knoxon before taking on #1 Jay Gonzales. Few (if any) has to take out #1, #2 and #3 ranked seats in a row to win a Championship! Larson was the underdog the entire season, not even ranked in the top 10 until after Regionals. However, he finished his senior year at 36-4 as a District Champ, Regional Champ and State Champ.
Following the 2016 State Tournament, Larson had knee surgery and immediately began rehabilitation. He came back stronger than ever for the 2016-2017 season, moving up 30 pounds going into the 2016-2017 season. He had a few early losses, but came into 2017 determined… he went undefeated in 2017, pinning his way through both District and Regionals, with few matching going into the 2nd period. With how the Regional placements fell, Larson would have a very tough road at the State Tournament. He had to go through #2 Jacob Mauldin and #3 Javonte Knoxon before taking on #1 Jay Gonzales. Few (if any) has to take out #1, #2 and #3 ranked seats in a row to win a Championship! Larson was the underdog the entire season, not even ranked in the top 10 until after Regionals. However, he finished his senior year at 36-4 as a District Champ, Regional Champ and State Champ.
