Dripping Springs' Alec Rill wins gold at state wrestling

DRIPPING SPRINGS  — The Dripping Springs Tigers wrestling team had its best performance in its second year in 6A at the UIL State Wrestling Tournament, held Feb. 16-17 at the Berry Center in Cypress.

The boys team earned eighth place overall at the meet, scoring more points than any previous year. Senior Alec Rill finished his high school career with a 52-2 season record, winning the gold medal in the 215-weight class by defeating Timber Creek’s Rade Ostrander in a 6-5 decision.

“Winning the State Championship is the perfect ending to his decorated career,” head coach Joe Kirksey said.

In the 106-weight class, sophomore Jackson Shipley won the silver medal and ended the season with a 41-5 record.

“It’s big time, making it to the finals,” Kirksey said, “And a reflection of all the hard work he put in since last season.”

Hagan Shipley, in the 132-weight class, lost in the second round to the eventual silver medalist, but rallied, winning three straight matches and a fifth place.

“He wrestled in the regionals and at state with a broken nose, the kid is tough and I’m super happy he wrapped up his career with a win,” Kirksey said.

Harlan Jack, a senior who started wrestling as a sophomore, competed in the girls 145-weight class and finished the season with a 48-7 record and is only the second girl at the school to place in the top eight at state.

“One of the most decorated high school careers for a DSHS girl,” Kirksey said.

Cole Sides, Abel Silverman and Caleb Flores also competed at the tournament in the 126, 138 and 285 weight class respectively.