Riley Davis, Randall wrestling, Sr.
On the mat: Davis is the newest wrestler to Randall’s prestigious program this year, but he’s shown that he fits right in. At the Hereford Rumble this past weekend, Davis rolled to the title in the 175-pound class, winning four of his five matches via pin and the other by technical fall. Davis won the championship by pinning Hereford’s Azariah Martinez at the 3:21 mark in the title match. Such dominance was enough to win Davis the outstanding wrestler of the meet for all weight classes. He’s now 16-2 on the season after getting a late start due to his football commitments at Randall. Davis has already signed to wrestle at the University of Wyoming based on what he accomplished wrestling in Salem, Ore., where he moved here from last summer after his father Stryder accepted the head coaching position for Wayland Baptist University’s wrestling program.
Coach David Quirino: “He’s one of the hardest working guys I’ve ever come across and it’s a testimony to his family because they’re all hard workers. His father was a two-time national champion himself (at Montana State-Northern), so when you’ve got a dad who’s got those kind of credentials, he’s going to make sure you’re ready to go. I didn’t get to work with Riley for four years, but his dad showed a lot of videos, so I had an idea of what he liked to do and I asked him what he wanted to work on. There’s kids all over the state who want to be state champion. With that being said it’s going to take a level of commitment that you separate yourself from the pack. When we warm up as a team he stays out there and does extra. He brings an intensity to our room which is really nice to have.”
Davis: “That was my goal to get first place and kind of dominate over everyone. I was happy with the performance, but I’m working to get better. I just think about going out and wrestling to the best of my ability every single time and whatever happens, happens. I didn’t know what to expect but it was pretty good competition. I was happy beating a couple of kids that I needed to beat for seeding (at the District 3-5A meet). I’m feeling pretty good, but I always want to be a step ahead and I am at the moment. I want to be getting better each day. I didn’t know what to expect at all (moving to Texas). I was pretty clueless. It’s pretty good competition. I wouldn’t say it’s harder than where I came from but it’s still good. The start was a little rough because football’s different from wrestling, but I got into shape quick.”
About Davis
Favorite band or musician: Chris Stapleton
Favorite social media platform: Instagram
Favorite athlete: Jordan Burroughs
Bet you didn’t know: Has a strong Christian faith
Parents: Stryder and Kimmy Davis