A PERFECT ENDING
After finishing as the state runner-up last year, Caleb Mata came back more determined. The senior wrestler entered his final prep campaign locked in on winning a title for Clear Lake.
Mata not only accomplished that goal, but he did so without taking a loss all season. He was the only male Houstonarea wrestler to win a state championship with an undefeated record at 50-0.
He won 10 tournaments altogether, including the District 12-6A and Region III-6A championships. Those triumphs sent him back to the state tournament for the third consecutive season.
Mata won four matches in the 152pound division at the Berry Center — two by decision and two by pin. He defeated Katy junior Juan Pablo Garcia in the championship match with a 6-1 decision.
Mata has compiled a 120-6 record and three state tournament appearances over the past three seasons.
While he is undecided on his college plans, Mata said he would like to return to Clear Creek ISD one day as a high school wrestling coach.
For his performances this season, Mata is the All-Greater Houston boys wrestler of the year.
Q: How did it feel to have your hand raised as the state champion?
Mata:
Very shocking. I’ve dreamt of this moment since I was a little kid. At first it didn’t really sink in, and then the next morning, I woke up and it sank in. I was very excited and overwhelmed.
Q: What went into making your senior season such a success?
Mata:
Support from all my friends, family, my mom, my dad, my brothers, my coaches, my training partners — everyone. All of them helped me be better for myself and graced me with some love.
Q: How do you feel like you’ve grown as a wrestler over the years?
Mata:
Learning how to deal with the losses. I’ve always been very upset when I lost. I might not have lost this year, but I did lose last year and I did lose during the summer. It was just realizing that I need to focus on myself and not worry about anyone else but myself.
Q: What has Clear Lake coach Chris Hart meant to your development?
Mata:
He’s meant a lot. I didn’t have him as my high school coach, I wouldn’t have won a state title. He’s a phenomenal coach, he knows what he’s talking about, he’s always there, he pushes us, and he makes sure we’re ready and on task, doing what we need to do.
Q: What made you interested in wanting to be a coach one day?
Mata:
I know that I’ve picked up things along the way and built a very good systematic thing that is effective on all levels of wrestling. I know, like with my training partners, I’ve helped my teammates make it to state for secondand third-year wrestlers. I don’t want to have my knowledge just for myself.