Texas State Champ. Future Cougar. Sean Perez Takes the Next Step

Texas continues to produce high-level talent on the national wrestling scene, and Sean Perez is the latest to make his move to the Division I level. The Humble High School standout recently announced his commitment to SIUE Cougars wrestling following a breakout junior season that saw him capture the UIL 6A State Championship at 190 pounds.

Perez’s rise has been steady over the last two seasons. After finishing third at the UIL State Tournament as a sophomore, he returned this past February to claim a state title for Humble HS. Beyond Texas, Perez has also proven himself on the national stage with strong performances at several elite tournaments, showing he can compete with some of the nation’s top wrestlers.

For Perez, reaching the Division I level is the realization of a lifelong dream.

“It means a lot to commit to wrestle Division 1. It’s always been a goal when I was a little kid, and now I made it a reality,” Perez said.

Family played a major role throughout the recruiting process. Perez said the support system around him helped guide him toward a program that felt right both on and off the mat.

“My family showed so much support throughout my college decisions, and ultimately they wanted me to go to a college that felt like a second home, which SIUE does.”

Perez also takes pride in representing Texas wrestling at the next level. While the Lone Star State continues to develop nationally-ranked talent, Division I representation remains relatively limited compared to traditional wrestling hotbeds.

“It’s so important to me to show that if you just continue to show up every single day, the results will come,” Perez said. “Going Division 1 is just another step toward the direction God has for me.”

While many athletes dream of becoming NCAA All-Americans, Perez has his sights set even higher.

“I don’t want to become an NCAA All-American. If I’m gonna shoot for something big, it’s gonna be a national championship.”

Perez heads to an SIUE program that is entering an exciting new era. The Cougars recently had multiple national qualifiers and are now transitioning into a new chapter with former assistant coach Daryl Thomas taking over as head coach. Thomas has already built a reputation as a high-energy recruiter and relationship builder, something that stood out immediately during Perez’s recruitment.

“Coach Thomas is a great guy,” Perez said. “Once I had the first conversation with him, he was down to earth and laid the foundation to me, which I loved. He’s the guy. I respect that man so much.”

Perez said the culture inside the SIUE program ultimately made the difference.

“Love the guys and coaches on the team. They all have the same mindset to win — not just individually, but as a team.”