The student news site of Bellaire High School

Three Penny Press
The student news site of Bellaire High School

Three Penny Press
The student news site of Bellaire High School

Three Penny Press
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Wrestlers end Lamar’s reign at the annual Thunderdome tournament on Senior night

Bethel Kifle, Joseph Chii, and Emily Leong • Feb 20, 2026
Senior wrestlers pose with gift baskets and roses before the meet. The Thunderdome tournament doubled as senior night, which was organized by senior Sophia Martinez, who’s been wrestling for 5 years. (Bethel Kifle)
Bellaire students cheer on senior varsity wrestlers as they face off against Lamar. Around 100 people attended the annual Thunderdome meet on Jan. 23 in Bellaire’s competition gym. (Emily Leong)
Junior Juan Gonzalez faces off against a Lamar opponent in neutral position. This is often the starting stance where wrestlers aim to initiate moves for points. (Bethel Kifle)
Head wrestling coach, Akintunde Odunleye, and head football coach, Devonte Jones, watch a match. Odunleye wrestled in high school for Hazelwood East High School. (Joseph Chii)
The referee lifts up freshman Aiden Gonzalez’s hand signaling his victory. This was the first time in recent years Bellaire won the Thunderdome tournament over Lamar. (Bethel Kifle)
A Lamar wrestler pins down senior Gianna Hernandez. Hernandez managed to evade the hold, delaying her defeat. (Bethel Kifle)
Junior Brody Banks pins junior Vance Salinas to the ground. Banks is currently ranked fourth overall in Houston. (Emily Leong)
Fellowship of Christian Athletes officers senior Camilia Flannigan and junior Annie Kong cheer on FCA co-president senior Beniah Trevino who has been wrestling for two years. FCA attended Thunderdome for their January social. (Bethel Kifle)
Freshman James McIngvale attempts to escape a double leg takedown. McIngvale eventually broke free from his opponent’s grasp, earning a point for himself. (Joseph Chii)

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About the Contributors
Bethel Kifle
Bethel Kifle, Online Editor & Social Chair
Junior Bethel Kifle is an online editor and Social Chair. She joined TPP to deepen her love for journalism, writing and story-telling. She is president of Hearts in Harmony Club, secretary of the East African Student Association, historian of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, treasurer of Women in STEM club, and a member of the National Honor Society. She loves watching movies, playing tennis and devouring popcorn.
Joseph Chii
Joseph Chii, Humans of Bellaire Editor
Joseph Chii is a sophomore, first-year staffer and reporter for TPP. He joined TPP to write meaningful stories and highlight issues that matter to Bellaire students and the community. Outside of TPP, Chii is an active member of the ping pong club, debate team and is an officer for FCA. He loves to play instruments, go on runs, listen to music and solve Rubik’s cubes!
Emily Leong
Emily Leong, Reporter
Emily Leong is a sophomore and first-year reporter for the Three Penny Press. Leong joined TPP to meet new people, improve her writing skills and learn more about journalism! She is a part of Bellaire’s orchestra, golf team and an officer for FCA. Outside of school, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, work on craft projects and bake new recipes!
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