A promise to his Grandpa. “Glorifying God.” Defying the odds. 

To 2018 Wrestling State Champion, Dillion Thomas, wrestling holds so much more value than the champion ring, gold plaque and giant UIL medal.  Eight years ago, Dillion started his path to his success when he started wrestling. Since then, his days have been wrestled one match at a time.  

“I love wrestling because it’s a challenge,” Dillion said. “Staying in shape, the matches, and just overall getting better. I love it.” 

Dillon trains with his club team, Rockstar, and proudly represents CTHS. Despite all the practices in the mat room, the state champion runs, lifts and shapes his diet on his own time.  

“A lot of people doubted me, and that makes me want to train even more,” he said. 

When he was a kid, Dillion said he was diagnosed with autism. Often while growing up, he said teachers doubted his dreams of being an elite wrestler.  

With support from his #1 fan, his mom (who even built a whole mat room in his house), and a sincere promise to his Grandpa, Dillion proved anyone who ever doubted him wrong when he won the State Championship this year. 

As many athletes know, advancing another round closer to state really builds up excitement and anxiety. Even after his years of training, the champ admitted it was a nerve wracking experience where he really had to “believe in what [He] could do.”  

A state title is nice and validates his work is paying off, but Dillion doesn’t feel totally accomplished yet. What’s next? A National Champion title. Nationals hosts the top wrestlers from every state to compete to see who the best truly is. Last year, he placed 5th.  

Dillion is continuing with the advice he has for everyone.  

“Never give up.”