Early makes historic run in third trip to State

Three-time state qualifier Lucas Early looked into the stands and discussed strategy with his club coaches before he wrestled his final match at the UIL 5A State Wrestling Championships.

Early then paced back and forth. It was the second day of the State Championships, his sixth match of the weekend and Early was competing for a medal. He was making history.

“It meant the world because I put a lot of hard work in and I feel I deserved to be here,” Early said. “It’s a lifelong memory I will have with me forever.”

Assistant coach Kasey King, senior Lucas Early, senior Parker Wardlow and coach Jeff Knight pose as Early’s family takes a picture after his first win on Saturday morning at the State Wrestling Championships. (Arleigh Doehring.)

On the floor with him throughout the day were his teammates and friends Parker Wardlow and Brandon Waggoner and coaches Jeff Knight and Kasey King. It was that support system that helped lift Early to a 2-1 victory in his final match against Isaiah Mathew from Frisco Reedy High School. The victory earned him 5th place in the 106-pound weight class.

“The biggest challenge is that the guy was so much taller,” Knight said. “It’s a big challenge when trying to get inside and get good shots. And so he had a good plan and responded well.”

After the match ended, Early was nowhere to be found on the floor. He went straight to the stands to celebrate with his parents.

“This weekend was emotional, a roller coaster and super gratifying,” said Jeff Early, Lucas’s dad. “The success is all his.”

At State, Early cemented himself as one of the most successful boys in program history. Early is the highest earning boys medalist in 13 years. He also set the record for most wins in a single season for the boys with a 48-4 record.

“He is one of the best ones to ever come through to our program,” Knight said. “He’s always in a good mood, loves wrestling, has a passion for wrestling. Every day he was excited, whether it was at practice, at a match or cheering a teammate on. He was just always fun to be around.”

Early opened up the State Meet on Friday morning by pinning Jayden Montoya of Lubbock-Cooper High School. Early then fell in the second round to the eventual 106-pound champion Nathan Reilly of Cedar Park High School.

Early returned to action on Friday night and defeated Hudson Chilton of Comal Smithson Valley, guaranteeing Early a spot in Saturday’s competition for the first time.

On Saturday morning, he battled through the consolation bracket, pulling out a critical 1-0 victory against Zyair Gonzales of Caprock High School. That victory guaranteed Early a medal. He fell to the eventual 4th place finisher before facing Mathew for the 5th place medal.

“I’ve got to give all the glory to my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ,” Early said. “I couldn’t have done it without Him. You know, it’s been awesome. All my friends have come to watch me, and I’m really thankful for my team.”

Waggoner, a state qualifier with Early last year, was on the floor for Early’s final victory of the tournament.

“He has worked extremely hard for what he’s gotten, and he 100 percent deserves everything,” Waggoner said. “He’s gone so far.”

Those who have watched Early compete the past four years were grateful to be part of his historic run on Saturday.

“It’s amazing to see,” said King, who coached alongside Knight for each of Early’s matches. “He’s one of the hardest workers in the program, and it’s great to see him do so well.”