On the heels of the best season in the program’s short history, Aledo wrestlers are set for even more in the 2025-26 season under second-year head coach Ben Shaw.
The Bearcats return seven regional qualifiers, including senior Brady Powell, who wrestlers at 190 pounds and was fifth at regionals this past season.
Also back as regional qualifiers from 2024-25 for the Aledo boys are sophomores Cameron (113 pounds), Benjamin Hungerford (165) and Cade Rangel (215); juniors Dylan Chandler (120) and Oliver Tatro (138); and senior Brice Bohn (132)
Other returners for the Bearcats are seniors Jonathan Neff (150) and Preston Blackwell (175); juniors Cam Becera (285) William Reese (175), Grayson McNeal (157) and Noah Chasteen (144).
A trio of regional qualifiers are back for the Ladycats, senior Lillian Carruthers (100) and sophomores Grace Beasley (110) and Joy Stephens (125). Junior Braylin Wiggins (130) also returns.
“I’m excited for another season. The team has grown technically and mentally since last year, and I’m looking forward to watching them put that growth on display,” Shaw said.
Newcomers for the Bearcats who could make a quick impression are freshmen Cooper Kiwior (106), Charles Anderson (126) and Ian Crosby (190).
As for the Ladycats, Shaw said, “We have a number of incoming freshmen who wrestled for us in middle school. They’ve worked hard all offseason and are ready to compete for varsity opportunities.”
Aledo competes in one of the state’s toughest districts, 4-5A, alongside perennial powerhouse Azle, as well as Fort Worth Arlington Heights, Fort Worth North Side, Fort Worth Paschal, Fort Worth Polytechnic, Fort Worth South Hills, Fort Worth Trimble Tech, Fort Worth Wyatt, Fort Worth Chisholm Trail, Saginaw, White Settlement Brewer, Eagle Mountain, Fort Worth Benbrook, Fort Worth Carter Riverside, Fort Worth Dunbar, Fort Worth Eastern Hills, Fort Worth Southwest, Fort Worth Western Hills, Fort Worth Diamond Hill Jarvis, Fort Worth Young Men’s Leadership Academy, Fort Worth Young Women’s Leadership Academy.
“The district will be tough again this year,” Shaw said. “We’re focused on improving on last year’s results for both the girls and boys teams. Our goal is to be competitive in every dual and to come away with some hardware as a team on both sides.”
Shaw said his team’s greatest strength is their work ethic.
“The kids live in the mat room — lots of extra matches, freestyle and Greco competition, summer camps, and club practices over the off-season,” he said. “That consistent grind shows in their preparation and conditioning.”
The Bearcats and Ladycats get the season started in the Talon Invitational at Haslet Eaton High School this weekend.
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