Rattler wrestlers rack up wins

The Tucumcari wrestling team racked up solid dual-meet victories at the Snake Pit on Thursday night over Moriarty and district foe West Las Vegas.

The Rattlers, who improved to 5-2 in dual competition, edged Moriarty 42-33 in team points, and toppled West Las Vegas by a 55-30 score.

Not counting forfeits, three Tucumcari wrestlers notched victories in both of the matches. Julian Vargas, wrestling at 138 pounds, earned a pin and an 11-3 decision. Dyson Clark, at 195 pounds, earned a pin and an 13-11 decision. Kaleb Hayes, at 220 pounds, won 1-0 and 4-1 decisions.

Several times, the Rattlers' stamina during matches served them well. Colt Garcia earned a come-from-behind 7-6 victory over Moriarty's Asaiah Kamplain at 182 pounds. Clark rallied late in his match to earn a 13-11 decision over West Las Vegas' Eric Duran.

"We're the best-conditioned team in the state, I think," Tucumcari coach Eddie Encinias said. "Our guys leave here, go into the military, and our conditioning is tougher than basic training. That's what they tell me."

Encinias generally was satisfied with his team's performance but wanted better.

"We're still making small mistakes, but we're going to be all right," he said. "It's just one match at a time right now."

Tucumcari's next matches are at its 21-team Rattler Wrestling Invitational on Saturday at the Snake Pit, starting at 8 a.m.