Wrestling is on the rise in the city of Lawton.
Lawton High hosted MacArthur and Eisenhower in the Tri City meet at the Wolverine Gymnasium on Tuesday night, with Mac emerging victorious in the city bouts. The Highlanders showcased their power, winning, 72-6, over the Eagles and, 68-12, over the Wolverines.
Lawton High took second, handing Ike a 48-21 defeat.
Mac is currently ranked No. 1 in Class 5A, returning several stars from last season's state championship squad, including Nick Mahan, Montana Phillips, Hunter Jump, Christian Maldonado, Quinton Smith and Billy Gonzalez.
Highlanders' coach Bobby Cook said he was happy with the result, but he expects his team to continue getting better as the season progresses, especially at the turn of the new year.
"For us, it's just about improving, getting mat time and competing hard," Cook said. "That's the only thing our program is looking at. How hard are you competing, how hard are you fighting and are we getting better. During Christmas Break, we take a week off and start again on Dec. 26, which is when our toughest practices of the year begin, and our guys know that."
Mac will remain engaged on the mat this week, traveling to Moore for a 6 p.m. meet on Thursday, followed by a tough weekend challenge at the Perry Tournament of Champions on Friday and Saturday.
While Mac is busy trying to maintain established success, Lawton High and Ike are in the beginning stages of building their wrestling programs.
Eight wrestlers picked up wins for the Wolverines, including Ethan Camacho and Davion Perkins, who scored pin victories against the Highlanders in the 113 and 126-pound weight classes, respectively.
Fabian Tahhahuah (120), Isiah Rogans (138), Jesse Neighbors (152), Sam Harris (182) Romeo Blanton (275), Gabe Lopez (220) and Romeo Blanton (275) also picked up wins against Ike.
Lawton High coach Kyle Moralez said he was proud of the way his wrestlers bounced back from a tough loss against Mac in the team's first match.
"We kind of fell into a point of getting pinned against Mac, and after the match, I told our kids we have to eliminate the pins," Moralez said. "Going into the second match, it was going to come down to whoever got after it the most on the mat. I like how the kids responded against Eisenhower, getting the bonus points when we needed them."
Despite splitting with Mac and Ike, Moralez said he is optimistic about the future success of Lawton High wrestling.
"I still have about 10-14 guys still trying to come in here," Moralez said. "We're young, but the best thing about it is we have about 46 middle schoolers coming up, and we're probably going to get 29 of them next year. I'm pumped about that.
"Even though we're young, this is something we're trying to build. We're going to build this program to where it needs to be. It's all about getting after it on the mat and coming to practice on time."
The Wolverines return to the mat at Moore on Thursday, followed by the Putnam City Tournament on Friday and Saturday. Both events are set for 6 p.m. starts.
Ike has also shown signs of growth within the program this season.
According to Eagles' coach Norman Williams, about half of the current roster consists of first-year participants. Although the team is filled with inexperience, Williams said it makes for an interesting season.
"Last year, we were giving up four weight classes out the gate, but at least this year we have something closer to a full lineup," Williams said. "It's not where you want to be, but you have to look at those small gains. We have about 30 guys on the roster and have 15-20 at practice on most days, and last year at this time, we were trying to scrape together the 12 to take to the meets.
"Experience is going to bring some of the toughness we need, so we'll be all right."
Ike has a chance to build upon its experience when it visits Northwest Classen in Oklahoma City at 5 p.m. on Thursday and Madill on Friday.
Lawton High's and Ike's progress hasn't gone unnoticed.
Cook has kept a close eye on the progress of the two schools, and he anticipates great things for when the rivals meet again in the future.
"If those guys keep on the path that they're on, that City Tri meet will be very competitive," Cook said. "Those guys are working hard, hustling and doing things right."