Cougars Battle Out Win At Joe Vivian Classic

Albuquerque, NM. - After the smoke has cleared in one of the toughest battles on the mat in New Mexico. Wounds and aching hearts from defeat may have to be accounted for. There is only one way to turn regardless of any individuals outcome. Forward would be the smart choice if you plan to collect gold in February. Wounds for one team in the battle may be easily shaken off. The last men standing on the battlefield at the Joe Vivian Classic this past weekend were the Cibola Cougars. Seniors Julius Kohn (23-2) and Anthony Sanchez (28-1) claimed titles for the Cougars, in total, the Cougars had 7 placers. Julius Kohn added a second Joe Vivian title to his resume with a decisive win over Cobre's Isaiah Martinez (17-6) at the 113-pound weight class. Anthony Sanchez faced Senior Gerald Wiza (24-5) out of Bloomfield. Sanchez added some points to the board with a 4-0 decision, totaling the Cougars points out at 175. By this point, the battle was to far out of reach for anyone to catch up. Head Coach Adrian Baca added his comments on his teams performance. " We currently have a roster lead by seniors who have been in the program working diligently over the past 3 seasons leading up to this year. We also are battling with injuries, however come February I believe we will be able to put together a solid team and make a run to have the best finish Cibola has had in a few years."

Farmington High School trailed the Cougars with 153 points. The Scorpions had 5 wrestlers place, with one Champion to their credit. Senior Dante Norberto (28-1) had an exciting finals match against Junior Ernest Martinez (22-2) of Atrisco Heritage Academy. Norberto edged out a close win, that helped him earn the Outstanding Wrestler Award for the heavyweight divisions. The win also helped Farmington break away from Volcano Vista claiming the runner-up spot in the team standings.

Volcano Vista came in third place with 150 points. The Hawks had 4 wrestlers place, with three Champions. In the 106-pound weight class Sophomore Moses Santiago (24-1) had a dominating performance, pinning 8th grader Adan Benavidez (21-4) of Bloomfield. Making consistent improvements Moses earned the Outstanding Wrestler Award for the lightweight divisions. Senior Joshua Vega (20-0) defeated Devon Martinez (27-2) keeping his record flawless. Junior Manuel Robles (23-0) had a dominant 13-0 win over Senior Damian Lopez of Atrisco Heritage Academy (17-5) ending in a major decision also keeping his record flawless. The Hawks did come up short at this year's Joe Vivian, but it may be worth noting they had more champions than any other team. 

Seniors Sergio Arellano (26-1) and Alejandro Gutierrez (24-1) finalist out of Rio Grande High School claimed titles for the Ravens. Arellano defeated Sophomore Miguel Padilla of Santa Fe (26-1) with a 5-0 decision. Alejandro Gutierrez had an 8-0 major decision win over Freshman Santiago Lopez (21-4). Both helped carry the Ravens to a 4th place finish.