Six Rattlers take top spots in home tourney

The Rattlers finished strong before the winter break, placing six in the top six of their respective classifications at their own wrestling tournament Saturday at the Snake Pit in Tucumcari.

"I feel like I earned this third -place finish," said Joe Martinez, 152 pound Rattler wrestler.

Martinez said he had a lot of improvement during the tournament, as his performance in the first match was sluggish.

"I feel the entire team improved from their performance a week ago during our district duel against West Las Vegas," Martinez said.

The Rattlers finished ninth overall, an accomplishment coach Eddie Encinias said, "is a testament to our teams dedication."

Encinias said each team at the tournament brought an unique element to the tournament. He said the level of competition gives every team something to look forward to each year.

"It is going to be interesting to see how the Rattlers grow from the experience gained from this tournament," Encinias said.

West Las Vegas was one of the more than 18 wrestling teams that attended the tournament. The competition included teams from Liberal, Kansas, Canyon, Texas, Saint Michael's, Ruidoso and Amarillo.

"Our team got a chance to compete against a variety of athletes, styles that we do not see throughout the year," said Rachael Gutierrez, Hereford High School head wrestling coach.

Gutierrez said Hereford wrestles against many of the Texas teams present at the tournament during the season. She said getting mat time with new opponents will benefit the team as they continue to wrestle through the winter break.

"When others take off for the holidays we seek out events to keep our edge," Gutierrez said.

While the cheers of the crowd, instructions from the coaches corner, whistles and applause are customary to a wrestling tournament, one wrestler competed without hearing a single sound.

Sabastian Anchondo, a 126-pound wrestler of Caprock High School in Amarillo, was the one deaf wrestler competing Saturday at the Snake Pit.

Anchondo left the tournament before he could be interviewed.

"Sabastian is a terrific athlete, who is not letting anything stand in the way of him," said Nathan Gavina, Caprock assistant wrestling coach.

Gavina said Anchondo is a freshman, who is still becoming familiar with wrestling, learning to use muscle memory to help him advance in the sport. He said a sign language translator accompanies the team during competitions to help coach Anchondo.

"I had to work with Anchondo and the coaches to develop a form of short hand signs," said Laura Ebeling, sign translator. "We only have a few seconds during a match to try and relay information to Anchondo."

Ebeling said Anchondo has shown a lot of dedication, spirit through out the season. "Anchondo does not let his impairment interfere or hinder him during practice or competition," Ebeling said.

Encinias said the turnout for this year's tournament was impressive, the event was well attended by family and friends.

"Each year I have to thank all of the family and volunteers for making this tournament possible," Encinias said.