Varsity wrestling preps for Rattler Invite tourney

The Tucumcari Rattlers varsity wrestling team prepares to host their annual Rattler Invite tournament that will feature 18 teams competing Saturday at the Snake Pit.

"This tournament has been given the nickname 'the grind' by the coaches that attend," said Eddie Encinias, Rattlers head coach.

Encinias said this year's tournament could be one of the largest held with the possibility of teams from more than four states attending. He said there are teams from Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas that will be attending. There is a school from Colorado that may attend if they can fit it into their schedule, Encinias added.

"There continues to be a lot of interest from out-of-state teams to come compete in our tournament," Encinias said. "In my opinion, the Rattler tournament is the third best tournament in the state."

Encinias said the interest and attendance to the tournament is a positive reflection for a program from a smaller school like Tucumcari. He said Tucumcari competes in District 2-4A, the largest district in the state consisting of seven teams.

"The tournament gives us a chance to see the styles and techniques of wrestlers from our district," said Xavier Garcia, 170-pound wrestler.

Garcia said the tournament gives them a chance to compete and learn from teams they normally don't see during the season.

"There are a lot of advantages to competing against so many teams," Garcia said. "You have the benefit of getting more mat time and possibly refining or learning a new skill or technique."

Encinias said the Rattlers are ready to compete and get a look at the district teams they have yet to see this season. He said on Wednesday, the Rattlers competed against and beat West Las Vegas during a tri-meet at the Snake Pit.

The Rattlers held the event, which included teams from Bushland, Texas, and West Las Vegas.

Encinias said during the tournament he moved a few of the wrestlers up in weight class. He said one of those wrestlers was Joseph Martinez, who moved from 138 pounds to the 145-pound class. Martinez responded and performed well in the higher weight class.

"I felt comfortable moving up and felt that I can contend at this weight," Martinez said.

Encinias said he is still shifting wrestlers around, trying to get them in the desired weight class before the home tournament.

"This tournament is going to be outstanding," Encinias said. "We look forward to competing in front of a hometown crowd."

The Rattlers tournament will begin at 8 a.m. Saturday at the Snake Pit.