Kingwood-area teen making a name for himself in national wrestling circles
Kinkaid head wrestling coach Bobby Eggleston says there are two sides of Colin Lawler.
The 15-year-old sophomore from Kingwood takes on a different personality when he is doing the sport he loves.
“Colin is an outstanding high school wrestler,” Eggleston said. “He is a great student, making all A’s at Kinkaid. He is a nice, young man, but, when he gets on the mat, he is out for blood.”
Lawler’s aggressive approach has brought him plenty of success.
As a Kinkaid freshman, Lawler was a Southwest Preparatory Conference and Texas Prep State champion and finished in the top 20 at the National Prep Wrestling Championships in Lehigh, Pa., at 220 pounds, an impressive debut.
“I did pretty well, probably better than I expected,” Lawler said.
But Lawler was only getting started.
Competing in the Cadet (age 15-16) division, Lawler has made a name for himself at the state and national levels.
In May, Lawler swept state titles in both divisions at the Texas Freestyle and Greco-Roman State Championships in Irving. He was named Team Texas’ Greco-Roman Most Outstanding Wrestler.
A month later, Lawler performed well at the Cadet National Duals in York, Pa., again grabbing Most Outstanding Wrestler honors.
Lawler, though, announced his arrival at USA Wrestling’s Fargo GrecoRoman and Freestyle National Championships in July at the Fargodome in Fargo, N.D.
He placed sixth in his division in Greco-Roman and seventh in Freestyle, becoming the first Houston-area wrestler to achieve All-American status in both disciplines.
“I had a great tournament,” Lawler said. “Hopefully, I can move up a couple spots next year and maybe win.”
The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder admitted it was a grueling test, with 12 matches over five days.
“It was pretty exhausted, both mentally and physically,” Lawler said. “It’s tough going up against the top wrestlers, but that’s the only way you’ll get better.”
Lawler, who moved with his family from New York to Houston two years ago, has set lofty goals for himself. In addition to defending his SPC and Texas Prep titles, he wants to medal at Prep Nationals next year. He also intends to improve his national finishes.
Wrestling is a yearround commitment for Lawler, who trains with Mike Moore and his coaches at the Without Limits Wrestling Club.
“It takes a lot of discipline and sacrifice, but I love wrestling,” Lawler said.