Batesville Pioneers wrestling teams set program records in landmark season

The Batesville Pioneers wrestling teams set new program records and achieved historic milestones during a standout season. Both the girls’ and boys’ teams posted strong performances, with multiple athletes earning All-Conference and All-State honors.

Girls’ wrestling highlights
The Lady Pioneers finished the season with a 12-12 dual record.

– Three wrestlers earned All-Conference honors: Alice Knott, Mai Nguyen, and Cynthia Martinez.
– Nguyen and Martinez were named All-State.
– Four wrestlers surpassed the previous single-season wins record of 20: Knott (30), Nguyen (29), Martinez (29), and Cherish McDougal (24).
– The single-season pins record of 17 was also broken by Knott (21), Nguyen (20), Martinez (20), and McDougal (18).

Cynthia Martinez (left)
Mai Nguyen (left)

Senior Cynthia Martinez closed her high school career with multiple program records:

– 52 career wins (most in program history)
– 39 career pins (most in program history)
– Three-time All-Conference selection
– Two-time 5A North champion
– Three-time All-State honoree, with finishes of fourth, second, and third at the state tournament

Five wrestlers recorded at least 20 wins, with one exceeding 30.

Individual records for All-Conference wrestlers:- Nguyen (29-13)
– Knott (30-12)
– Martinez (29-4)

Alex Gallardo (center)  Avery Fengel (center)

Boys’ wrestling highlights
The Pioneers finished the season with a 21-10 dual record.

– A program-record five wrestlers earned All-Conference honors: Alex Gallardo, Avery Fengel, Rourke Sevier, Jacob Pollett, and Jay Anthony.
– Gallardo and Fengel received All-State recognition.
– Three wrestlers set a new single-season wins record, surpassing the previous mark of 28: Fengel (45), Sevier (42), and Davidson (34).
– Sevier (32) and Fengel (28) broke the previous single-season pins record of 22, set by Mike Townsley.

Individual records for All-Conference wrestlers:
– Gallardo (23-6)
– Fengel (45-11)
– Sevier (42-16)
– Pollett (19-13)
– Anthony (24-17)

Eight wrestlers recorded at least 20 wins, including three with 30 or more and two with 40 or more.

Head coach Nick Palese praised the team’s dedication and accomplishments.

“I am so proud of the kids in our program,” Palese said. “The sacrifices they’ve made to be the best they can be are truly special. This group set goals after state last March and worked tirelessly to achieve them. Their success is no surprise to us, and the sky’s the limit next year. As proud as I am of them on the mat, I’m even more proud of who they are off the mat.”

The Batesville School District administration recognized coaches Ryan Morrow, Nick Palese, and Billy Poe for their contributions to the program’s growth and success.

Images provided by the Batesville School District