From the start of the 2025-26 Wrestling season, there was little doubt inside the St. Thomas locker room about what this team could accomplish.

Led by a core group of standouts—Pierce Ritchey ‘28, Behzod Rakhmatov ‘28, Grant Hay ‘27, and Jet Rank ‘27—the Eagles set the tone early on and never let up. 

St. Thomas captured titles at the College Station Veteran’s Day Duals, the Clear Creek Open, and the Clash on the Coast Duals, stacking wins throughout the season. Each tournament became another opportunity to refine technique and sharpen their instincts.

Going into TAPPS, the message to the team was simple and grounded.

“The work had already been done in the many months before TAPPS,” Head Coach Mike LeHolm said. “There were no special preparations, just the same consistent work. I encouraged the team to have fun and compete to the best of their ability.”

The Eagles placed across nearly every weight class.

  • Zac Salvatierra ‘29 (113) – 3rd
  • Pierce Ritchey (120) – 1st, 2x TAPPS State Champion
  • Behzod Rakhmatov (126) – 1st, 2x TAPPS State Champion
  • Jackson Vaughn ‘26 (132) – 1st
  • Tucker Bayer ‘26 (138) – 2nd
  • Grant Hay (157) – 1st
  • Jet Rank (165) – 1st
  • Will Callahan ‘27 (190) – 4th
  • Eli Mensing ‘28 (215) – 4th
  • Italo Chavarria-Mendez ‘26 (285) – 2nd

Ritchey, a two-time champion, was voted TAPPS Wrestler of the Meet. Rakhmatov matched that with a second state title of his own. Hay earned recognition as one of the Top 20 wrestlers in Texas by Sports Illustrated, where he received the third-most votes. Rank’s reliability and drive have him poised to break the school’s career wins record next season.

Behind all the success is a foundation of brotherhood and thoughtful coaching. 

“Coach Brandon LeHolm is the secret sauce of the program,” Head Coach Mike LeHolm said. “He’s done an incredible job building game plans and strong lasting relationships.”

Brandon LeHolm also welcomed a son, Liam, in March.

“The Wrestling program has a huge head start on the class of 2044,” Mike LeHolm said.

Looking ahead, the Eagles are not slowing down. Many athletes have already shifted their focus to freestyle and Greco competition later this year, with several set to represent Texas in USA Wrestling events across the country. From there, the team will return for next season with a clear purpose.

“We are always focused on getting bigger, stronger, and more skilled,” Mike LeHolm said.