Local Roundup: Feb. 4
Meet Yuma's new Division II Section I wrestling champions — the Gila Ridge Hawks.
Gila Ridge took first place at sectionals on Saturday with a team total of 296.5 points and qualified 12 out of its 14 wrestlers to make the trip to state.
Now meet Yuma's new Division I Section I wrestling champions — the Cibola Raiders.
Cibola took first place at sectionals on Saturday with a team total of 284 points and qualified 12 out of its 14 wrestlers to make the trip to state.
Gila Ridge had six wrestlers earned the title of individual sectional champion. Austin Gerber (113), Able Mejia (126), Jose Cazares (132), Kyle Ford (138), Kevin Jumbeck (160) and heavyweight Eddie Pena all took home the title for the Hawks.
“The champions seeds are going to really help us out,” Hawks coach David King said. “There's a few guys that have been busting their tails all year — and for a few years now — that haven't gotten their dues. Today showed that some of those guys got exactly what they've been working hard for.”
Nathan Mendezil (106), Darryl Lane (120), Andy Meza (152) and Kainoa Renaud (195) all took second for Gila Ridge. Mike Castro (132) took third while Isaac Saenz (140) took fifth for the Hawks, securing their spots in the state tournament.
Cibola had six individual champions as well — Rafael Jaimes (106), Isaac Camarillo (126), Luis Nunez (132) Pablo Moreno (138), Pierre Gaud (145) and Ricardo Morales (170). Also qualifying were Andres Gandara (third at 113), Mark Cruz (second at 120), Miguel Lugo (fifth at 152), Adam Razo (third at 160), Sergio Contreras (third at 182), Cisco Reyes (third at 195).
“It's just kind of another check on our list of things to do,” Cibola coach Mike Jankowski said. “But the big one is next week.”
Yuma High took fourth at the Division II Section I tournament and will send seven wrestlers to represent the Criminals at state. Kodi Doerr (106), Leo Salcedo (113), Chris Marquez (120), Porfirio Garcia (126), Cade Kottenbrook (132), Alex Butler (138) and James Gomez (182) will all make the trip for Yuma High.
Kofa's lone qualifier was Brian Landeros (160), who was the Division I Section I champion in his weight class.
Yuma Catholic finished second behind Camp Verde in the Division IV Section I tournament.
Casey Alexander (138), Ryan Gill (170) and Alex Varela (220) were all sectional champions for the Shamrocks.
Clay Sierra (145) and Alex Demyan (182) took second place, while Ernesto Sandigo (120) and Nico Franco (160) took third. Cole Murra (113) took fourth and Brendon Moreno (138) finished in fifth place. All nine wrestlers will compete in the state tournament for YC.
Grady Elbridge and Clayton Smith came in sixth place for the Shamrocks and may still qualify once their overall records are factored in.
Antelope came in sixth place in the same sectional tournament and will send four wrestlers to state.
Kurtis Skousen (152) took first place in the tournament while Fred Pearson (160) and Jason St. Clair (132) took second. Chad Cullison (112) took third and will join his teammates at the state meet.
San Pasqual had four wrestlers qualify for the state meet at the tournament.
Reggie Sanchez (138) took second at the meet, while heavyweight Valentino Garcia took third. Julio Renteria (126) and Simon Ramirez (160) took fifth for the Warriors.
