Wrestlers back to mat after week off

The Tucumcari Rattlers varsity wrestling team is preparing for one of the hardest tournaments in the state after taking a week off to recover from illness and injury.

“It was in the best interest of the team not to compete last week,” said Eddie Encinias, head wrestling coach.

The Rattlers were scheduled to compete at the Gene Gagliard Invitational in Trinidad Colorado. Encinias said after assessing the team’s condition with injuries to Joe Martinez (concussion) and Julian Vargas (shoulder) and multiple wrestlers battling illnesses, he decided against competition.

“The risk of additional injuries or prolonging the illnesses outweighed any benefits from competing at the tournament,” Encinias said.

Instead the Rattlers returned to practice Monday, healthier and ready to prepare for what Encinias said “is the toughest tournament of New Mexico,” the Cardinal Classic at Robertson High School in Las Vegas.

Encinias said at the tournament the Rattlers will have an opportunity to compete against several teams they have yet to see during the season. He said those schools are Silver City, Socorro, Shiprock and Wingate.

“Silver City is going to be the team to beat in 4A competition,” Encinias said.

Encinias said the Rattlers should have Martinez back for competition but they are still unclear on Vargas for the tournament.