Wrestlers finish third in district

The Tucumcari boys wrestling team finished third in its district after a loss Thursday to eventual champion and host West Las Vegas and wins over district foes Fort Wingate and (Shiprock) Northwest.

The shorthanded Rattlers, which forfeited three weight classes, lost to West Las Vegas 48-30. The Dons went on to edge Roberson, which finished runner-up, for the District 1 championship.

“Against West, I think we looked pretty good,” Tucumcari coach Eddie Encinias said. “We made some mistakes in matches that could have gone either way. We want to get ready for district (on Feb. 12).”

Tucumcari trounced Shiprock 54-0 and earned a forfeit victory against Fort Wingate, which was a no-show at the meet.

Tucumcari’s dual meet record improved to 8-6.

Encinias said he saw good performances from Nick Romero at 113 pounds, Ayden Otero at 152 and Xzander Garcia at 182.

The Rattlers, which have been beset by injuries this season, lost another athlete for the season when senior Reyes Garcia, competing at 182 pounds, dislocated his shoulder.

Another meet scheduled for Saturday at Bernalillo was canceled by the host school.

Tucumcari’s next meet will be at the Cardinal Classic tournament on Friday and Saturday at Robertson High School in Las Vegas.