The Eli Beaty Invite has truly become one of the hidden gems of the wrestling season. Over the past few years, it has grown into a sneaky-awesome tournament. With stacked brackets, we’re excited to preview the action after getting the entries on Friday night. (Hint to tournament directors: If you want extra coverage of your tournament, make the entries available to the public before the tournament starts).
Here’s a quick rundown of the standout wrestlers and weights to keep an eye on:
106 lbs
Once again, #2 Fernando Morales (Clear Lake) and #3 Felix Morales (Clear Lake) are entered at the same weight. Will these two meet in the finals, or will one of the other ranked competitors play spoiler? #3 Max Marino (Cinco Ranch), #5 Sebastian Garcia (Bridgeland), and #7 Gavin Marks (Brazoswood) all add depth to what is sure to be a tough bracket.
113 lbs
#5 James Weller (Taylor) has had a solid season and is looking to continue his run here. #8 Dreagan Flores (Cy Creek) and #9 Ian Calvillo (Bridgeland) will be fighting to earn a spot in the finals, where Weller should be waiting.
120 lbs
#2 Diego Morales-Ayala (Cy Falls) and #3 Aaron Reyna (Brazoswood) squared off earlier this season, with Morales-Ayala coming out on top. Both wrestlers were at the state tournament last year, and their rematch will likely be a coin flip once again. #4 Santiago Garcia (Katy) is 18-1 on the season but hasn’t faced many of the top contenders yet. This tournament could be his chance to prove he belongs in the conversation with the best at this weight.
126 lbs
#6 Jordan Rodriguez (Cy Falls) looked great at 126 last week, and I expect him to carry that momentum into this tournament. #8 Josue Pizana (Katy) is no slouch and could very well push Rodriguez. This is one to keep an eye on if they meet.
132 lbs
The #1 seed here is Colton Stratton, a state qualifier from Louisiana last year. It will be interesting to see how he stacks up against #7 John Marriott (Katy) and #8 Aidan Marks (Brazoswood). Marriott just hit the mats for the first time this season last week, but I expect him to be a real contender come February. #14 Jaydon Rodriguez (Cy Falls) moved up from 126 and had a rough weekend, but I expect him to bounce back and potentially challenge one of the top three seeds.
138 lbs
This is another loaded weight class. #3 Dimitrie Bao-Washington (Cy Falls) has been solid this season, but I’m looking at #9 David Morris (Cy Creek) to be a serious contender here. Morris has had some ups and downs this season, but if he finds consistency, he could make a big splash. Also watch for Jack McGuire, another state qualifier from Louisiana, and #13 Aurelio Ibarra (Brazoswood), who could cause some chaos.
144 lbs
This is one of the deepest weight classes in the tournament. #2 Andrei Gavaza (Cinco Ranch) and #4 Kye Owen (Caney Creek) have been the top performers so far, but #10 Gavin Hutchinson (Katy) is very dangerous. Hutchinson may take some losses, but he’s also known for his ability to pin top wrestlers, so expect fireworks when he’s on the mat. Keep an eye on Cody Allen (Cy Falls) as well—he hasn’t wrestled much this season but has the talent to make a run.
150 lbs
#4 Sebastian Santibanez (Bridgeland) faces a tough challenge at this weight. Lucas Campbell, who was 5th in the state in Louisiana last year, is here, as are #7 Stephen Kirby (George Ranch), #8 Cameron Crittendon (Caney Creek), and #9 Ethan Flores (Brazoswood). Santibanez has been a breakout performer this season, but the question is: can he continue his hot start against this tough field?
157 lbs
Round three of the #1 vs. #2 rivalry! Tristan Forsman (Clear Lake) and Max Herman (Cinco Ranch) have been developing quite a rivalry this season, with each wrestler having a win. This time, Forsman will have home-mat advantage—will that make the difference? #7 Chance Kidd (Caney Creek) is also in the mix and could be a strong contender.
165 lbs
The entries for this bracket better show up, because if they do, it’s going to be an incredible match-up. We have two state placers: #1 Vincent Echavarry (Cinco Ranch) and #2 Jared Remington (Clear Creek), along with #1 at 175, Henry Davis (Clear Springs), dropping down to 165. Also in the mix are returning state qualifier #4 Travis Rosa (Cy Creek) and #5 Breyden Jefferies-Arndt (Bridgeland). This is easily the most loaded bracket at any Houston tournament this season. I’m picking Echavarry to win it, but with such a stacked field, it’s going to be an intense and fascinating race to the finish.
175 lbs
Another stacked weight class is up next. Cooper Reagan, a state runner-up from Louisiana, is one of the top entries. However, #2 Sean Perez (Humble) has been absolutely dominant this season and will be a major contender. #6 David Nava (Clear Lake) and #10 Nickolas Oji (Cy Falls) also make this bracket challenging. Keep an eye on Keith Remington (Clear Creek), who has bounced between 165 and 175 this season but is a very tough competitor. I’m picking Perez to take this weight, but don’t be surprised if Remington makes a run to the finals.
190 lbs
#3 Beckett Kim (Friendswood) has been solid all season long, with a notable win over #6 Colton Rollwitz (Cinco Ranch), who is also in this bracket. Matthew Reed (George Ranch) hasn’t wrestled many matches this season, but he’s a dangerous competitor. Don’t be shocked if Reed upsets one of the higher-seeded wrestlers here.
215 lbs
#1 JP Smith (Cinco Ranch) has been the top wrestler at this weight all season, and it’s hard to see anyone knocking him off his perch. #5 Owen Pullig (Clear Lake) and #6 Mason Negro (Katy) are both formidable challengers, but I expect Smith to hold his ground and come out on top.
285 lbs
The heavyweight division in Houston is absolutely loaded, and this bracket has it all. #2 Michael Villareal, #3 Shane Trotter (Katy), and #4 Grant Bahnsen (Clear Lake) are all returning state medalists, making this one of the most exciting weights to watch. #6 Aden Sheikh (Cy Creek) and #10 Ke’Shawn Jones (Clear Creek) are also in the mix. Villareal has been extremely impressive this season, with wins over both Trotter and Bahnsen. Will he be able to keep himself separated from the rest of the field, or will one of the other contenders make a push for the top spot?
This heavyweight division is bound to deliver some intense action!