Darien Lewis, Palo Duro Wrestling, Junior
On the mat: Lewis is one of only two undefeated wrestlers remaining in the Texas Panhandle after last weekend’s Region I-5A meet in Lubbock. He’s dominated in the 190-pound class all season, and that continued unabated at regionals, as he won four matches via pin to improve to 35-0 on the season. Lewis, who entered the meet ranked No. 7 in the state at 190, won all four of his matches via pin, none of which reached the end of the first period. The dominance culminated by pinning Canyon’s Braden Swanson, ranked No. 4 in the state, at 49 seconds in the final. Lewis enters the state tournament starting Friday in Cypress as the No. 2 seed even though he’s the only unbeaten wrestler competing at 190. That’s still not a bad season for somebody who wrestled as a freshman but didn’t compete last year as a sophomore. In between, Lewis completed his second season as a starter for Palo Duro’s football team.
Coach Jose Alvarez: “Last year he didn’t wrestle so I didn’t know what to expect. As the season was going I looked at him as this kid has what it takes. I was watching him grow all season long. Did I know what I was going to have this year? No, I didn’t, but it doesn’t surprise me at the end of it. I think just maturing physically and mentally has been big. I coached him as a freshman and he has shown a lot of tremendous growth mentally and physically. Just being able to work with him as a more mature person has been very wonderful. I think he has a good shot (to win state). I know Darien will show up and he’ll be competitive.”
Lewis: “I have lot of confidence in myself and I’d say that carries over on to whatever sport I’m doing. All the work I put in doesn’t just go for nothing. Coming into wrestling season I thought it was state or bust. If I didn’t make state it wouldn’t be a good year for me. (Being undefeated) did cross my mind more than you would think. I feel like it works to my advantage and is a disadvantage, Some people see my undefeated record and they want to give me that one loss, but it also kind of scares people and shows people this kid’s good. You can’t beat me without having an A+ match. When I go to state my foot will be all the way on the gas.”
About Lewis
Favorite band or musician: Future
Favorite social media platform: Instagram
Favorite athlete: Cam Newton
Bet you didn’t know: Really enjoys spending time with his girlfriend.
Parents: Larry and Jonica Lewis.