Rattlers third of 12 at Memorial tourney

The Tucumcari Rattlers varsity wrestling teams improves to 3-0 in district standing and ends the weekend in third place at the Al Salazar Memorial at Santa Fe.

“These athletes are at a level higher both mentally and physically than they have every been before,” said Eddie Encinias, Rattlers head wrestling coach.

Encinias said the Rattlers finished just 20 points behind Cobre, one of the best teams in the state. He said along with placing third out of 14 teams at the tournament, the Rattlers won 64-18 over Pojoaque Valley and 57-29 over Saint Michael’s in district duals this weekend.

“I’m actually worrying that they have peaked too soon,” Encinias said. “These wrestlers continue to push themselves everyday. All of their success, it’s all them. I’m just here to open the gym.”

Encinias said the team’s next challenge will be Saturday at an open tournament at Pecos.

“These past competitions has shown us what we are capable of,” said Julian Vargas, sophomore.

Vargas, who placed second in the 132-pound class at the Al Salazar tournament said the team is committed to improving with each match, they don’t want to get complacent because of success early in the season.

“With each match we are gaining experience that will help us attain our goals, winning a championship” said Joseph Martinez, a 152-pound sophomore.

Martinez also placed second in his weight class at the Al Salazar tournament.

Rattler finishes at the Al Salazar Memorial tournament:

First place: Isiaih Valverde, 285 pounds; Xavier Garcia, 182 pounds

Second place: Kaleb Hayes, 220 pounds; Joseph Martinez, 152 pounds; Rod Dunlap, 138 pounds; Julian Vargas, 132 pounds