Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Competing teams include Belen, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Eldorado.
Tucumcari Rattlers wrestling head coach Eddie Encinias, right, gives instructions to the varsity wrestling team as the middle school wrestlers work out in the background.
The Tucumcari Rattlers varsity wrestling team will be put to the test right out of the gate as they compete against 4-6-A teams Saturday at the Los Lunas Duals.
"This is going to be a great measuring stick of just how much heart and dedication these athletes have," said Eddie Encinias, Rattlers head wrestling coach.
Encinias said the competition at Los Lunas will include powerhouse teams including: Belen, Cleveland, Las Cruces, Mayfield, Eldorado and Rio Rancho. He said the event will help the wrestlers, both returning and new see where they are at physically and mentally.
"It's a great way to help them to see what areas of work they need to work on," Encinias said.
Encinias said there are 22 wrestlers who are competing for a spot on the varsity wrestling team, including two returning state placers. Those placers are Xavier Garcia, senior, who placed third in the 170 pound weight class and senior 285 pound Isaiah Valverde, who placed fourth.
Valverde said the wrestlers are expecting tough competition at Los Lunas but that is the only way they can improve.
"We have to push ourselves to get better," Garcia said. "We know each week the competition are going to get harder. We have to be dedicated to being the best."
