Rattler wrestlers to attend camp

The Tucumcari Rattler Wrestling team will have the opportunity to learn techniques from a pair of Olympic gold medalists during a camp at Tascosa High School in Amarillo.

“Getting a chance to learn from two world-class athletes,” Tucumcari coach Eddie Encinias said, “the guys are sure to gain new insight and skills.”

The camp will feature lessons from 2000 Olympic Gold medalist Brandon Slay and 2016 Olympic Gold medalist Kyle Snyder. Both went to Tascosa High.

Encinias said this will be the second time the Rattlers attend the camp ran by Slay, last year they observed familiar moves used in different instances.

“Brandon and Kyle are Incredible athletes,” Encinias said. “I am excited to see what the guys can learn from this opportunity.”

This will be one of the first camps that Encinias will be able to attend with the team. He was unable to attend last week’s camp held at Adams State University in Alamosa Colorado due to chemotherapy treatments.

“This is not about me,” Encinias said. “This summer of camps is about the team’s desire to push themselves to improve.”

Assistant Coach Tim Clark took eight of the Rattlers to the camp at Adams State.

Encinias said the guys had a productive time at the camp with the chance to wrestle in 14 matches with different classes. He said the field was filled with wrestlers from Colorado and Nebraska and Texas.

Encinias said the Rattlers were able to gain experience competing against multiple state champions from different school divisions. He said the camp was not only good for the kids it gives coaches a lot of insight.