2013-14 Results and Media Coverage





Hahnville's Nicholas Lirette turning last year's disappointment into this year's success at state wrestling tournament

By Pat Mashburn, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune
on February 21, 2014 9:19 p.m.

Talk about a reversal of fortunes.

 

Last year, Hahnville’s Nicholas Lirette made a mistake he vowed wouldn’t happen again.

 

While Lirette has the hopes of the Tiger nation behind him, Brother Martin is gaining a small degree of separation from Jesuit in the quest for a third consecutive team title at the 2014 LHSAA State Wrestling Championships at the Pontchartain Center in Kenner.

 

In the final round of eight at last year’s tournament, a crucial miscue in the overtime period cost Lirette the match, and as a result, he did not place. This time, Lirette is right on the mark after a 12-11 decision in the quarterfinals of the 106-pound weight class. Next up for Lirette is top-seeded Alex Betteridge of East Ascension in the semifinals on Saturday.
 

Hahnville's Nicholas Lirette in semifinals of Division I 106-pound class.

“It was a very important match because Chris Zea is a very tough guy to wrestle since he has an awesome spin move,” Lirette said. “Not even placing last season really motivated me to work harder and to get better.”

The intensity of Lirette’s approach hasn’t gone unnoticed by the coaching staff.

 

“Nicholas really came into the season with a purpose and dedicated himself to having a good year,” Hahnville Coach Dan Erwin said. “We’re really proud of him and what he’s been able to accomplish so far. He’s got a great work ethic.”

 

There is plenty of motivation to share between two-time defending champion Brother Martin, which amassed 168.5 points while Jesuit was close behind with 162 points.

 

Both schools have chances to gain ground with several competitors in the semifinals, including head-to-head matchups in the 106, 126, 152 and 160-pound weight classes. Brother Martin and Jesuit also have wrestlers on opposite sides of the bracket in the 113 and 170-pound weight classes. Brother Martin leads with 10 semifinalists while the Blue Jays have nine.

 

In the team standings, Catholic-B.R. is third with 143.5 points, followed by Holy Cross (127.5), Rummel (113), St. Paul’s (111.5), East Ascension (97.5), Comeaux (88), Fontainebleau (87) and Sulphur (82).
Holy Cross, last year’s Division II champion, is back in Division I after a long absence and is looking to improve its position on the last day of competition.

 

Back to Top