Maumelle seniors shoot for 4th titles

Winning three times is nice.

Jakob Beene and Dregen Smith would like to win a state championship for four consecutive years, though.

The Maumelle seniors are attempting to become the seventh and eighth wrestlers in Arkansas high school history to win four consecutive state championships, as recognized by the Arkansas Activities Association.

Beene (138 pounds) and Smith (145 pounds) will compete in the semifinals in the 12th annual boys wrestling state tournament at the Jack Stephens Center in Little Rock. If they win their semifinal matches, they'll move on to their respective Class 5A championship matches.

The previous four-time state champions are Tyler Mann of Little Rock Central (2010-13), Tyler Kurtz of Cabot (2010-13), Hunter Jones of Little Rock Christian (2013-16), Nick Noel of Pulaski Academy (2013-16), Layne Hatcher of Pulaski Academy (2015-18) and Jimmy Noel of Pulaski Academy (2015-18).

"It would be cool," Beene said. "It would be really cool to be one of them."

"It's history," said Smith, who transferred to Maumelle from Pulaski Academy before the 2018-19 season.

Maumelle Coach Jerrod Barnhill said Beene and Smith have been beneficial for the Hornets' program.

"We don't get guys who have been wrestling since they were five years old except Jake and Dregen," Barnhill said. "Our guys see their work ethic and it trickles down to these younger guys. They see how things are supposed to be done."

Beene won the Class 1A-5A state title as a freshman in 2017 at 106 pounds, earning a major decision over Sean Harlan of Greenbrier. Over the past two seasons in Class 5A, Beene won the 120-pound championship with 2-0 decisions against Rhodney Phillips of Glen Rose in 2018 and Landon Valdez of Searcy in 2019.

From his junior year to his senior year this year, Beene has grown from 5-7 to 5-10. He's also gained weight, competing in the 138-pound division for the first time.

"I gained weight to get ready for college," said Beene, who has received interest from Iowa State. "The lowest weight class in college is 125. I had to gain weight so I could compete."

Smith won state titles in his first two seasons at Pulaski Academy, winning the Class 1A-5A title at 126 pounds in 2017 with a pinfall over Rhett Womack of Arkadelphia. In 2018 at Class 5A 145 pounds, Smith earned a major decision over Aaron Killian of Hot Springs Lakeside. Then, last season with Maumelle, Smith picked up a 7-3 decision over Greg Dean of Greenwood, also at 145 pounds.

Entering Friday's competition, Beene decided to dye his hair red from his normal blonde look. The top of his head sports a red streak, which matches Mamuelle's headgear.

"It's senior year," Beene said. "I was talking to my girlfriend about it. It's just some dumb teenager stuff."

The two won their Friday matches. Beene picked up a forfeit in the first round, then by pinfall in the quarterfinals. Smith won by pinfall in the first round and quarterfinals. Both are confident entering today's semifinals.

"I'm feeling pretty good," Beene said. "I'm glad I don't have to make weight anymore, so I can eat a little bit more. Today when I was wrestling, I was a little drained. But that's just how the first day goes."

Said Smith: "I'm ready for my matches. I've been looking forward to it all year."

Barnhill said today is a day that has been building up not only for Beene and Smith, but for the Hornets, who hope they can see the two veterans win four titles in a row.

"It's coming to this final moment," Barnhill said. "It's special for these guys. It's a tremendous opportunity for those guys."

Sports on 02/22/2020