Serving the High Plains

Wrestlers grab first at Pecos tourney

Next competitions are today in Pecos, Saturday in Colorado.

The Tucumcari Rattlers first-place finish at Saturday’s wrestling tournament at Pecos is another step in their preparation for a strong district run, according to Head Coach Eddie Encinias.

“The Rattlers are about to get into the grind,” Encinias said.

Encinias said the wrestlers are preparing for an endurance run with a duels competition today in Pecos and a tournament Saturday at Trinidad, Colorado.

“It’s non-stop from here on out,” Encinias said. “We need to get as many matches in as we can.”

Encinias said they will see a few of the same teams today as they did last weekend. He said the Rattlers continue to work to improve all aspects of their skills.

“I need to work on my endurance,” said Antonio Norton Jr., a 220-pound wrestler.

Norton, who placed first last weekend, said he is confident in his speed and technique but feels that increased endurance will help him win district and advance to state.

Elias Ortiz, 145 pounds, Michael Shelton, 160 pounds and Isaiah Valverde, 285 pounds also placed first last weekend at Pecos. This is the second tournament in a row for Valverde to place first.

“The team needs to keep up the intensity and work towards more wins,” said Ortiz.

Rattlers Jonathan Clark, 126 pounds, and Kaleb Hayes, 182-pounds, both finished second and Xavier Garcia, 170 pounds, and Joe Martinez, 138 pounds, placed third.

“This week, I am going to work on my techniques,” Martinez said, adding that as the season progresses, he needs to be able to adapt and not get caught off guard.

Encinias said Saturday’s match in Trinidad Colorado will pit the Rattlers against tough teams from Kansas, Texas, Oklahoma and Colorado.

“These wrestlers are pushing themselves to improve each week,” Encinias said. “There is not a lot of coaching them; they drive themselves to be better.”

 
 
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