Wrestlers fall in dual meets

West Las Vegas and Robertson dashed the Tucumcari wrestling team's hopes for a district team title Saturday by defeating the Rattlers 60-18 and 44-33 respectively at the Snake Pit.

Tucumcari, which fell to 13-7 in dual meets this season, fell behind the eight-ball before matches began when Isaiah Lopez failed to make weight at 132 pounds, costing the team at least a few points in each match.

Tucumcari stalwarts such as Joe Martinez at 170 pounds, Colt Garcia at 182 and Dyson Clark at 220 did as expected, notching victories in both dual matches.

But the Rattlers suffered losses against Robertson they didn't expect with Zach Bradfield at 112, Charles Prieto at 120 and Julian Vargas at 136.

"Things didn't work out as we'd planned," Tucumcari coach Eddie Encinias said. "Our guys that beat some of these same guys two weeks ago lost to them. It's discouraging. Most of the guys did what they should have done, but others didn't have it today."

Against West Las Vegas, the Dons racked up six straight pins at one point during a dominating victory.

"They basically kicked our tails," Encinias said. "There's no other way to put it. If you don't show up, things like that happen.

"We have to put this behind us and get ready for individual district."

The Rattlers' next meet is at the district open Feb. 15 at Las Vegas, which will determine who will qualify for the state tournament the following weekend.