New Mexico College Wrestlers Record History With 9 All-Americans 

College wrestlers representing New Mexico recorded one of its most exciting seasons in history to date. New Mexico had nine All-Americans altogether this year. Three of the nine All-Americans were on National Championship teams. The turnout was impressive showcasing the progression New Mexico Wrestling is making. 

Wrestling for Iowa Western red shirt sophomore Fabian Padilla captured a NJCAA national title in the 165-pound weight class. Padilla has become New Mexico's 8th National Champion at the college level. The Carlsbad native will become a transfer next season with no word yet on what plans he has for the future. Wherever they lead it will be exciting to see him compete for another two years. 

Perhaps the most exciting wrestler this year is Iowa Hawkeye, Real Woods. With a 20-1 overall record Woods tore through his competition this season walking in as the 1st seed at this year's NCAA D1 National Tournament. Woods is the second New Mexican to reach the NCAA D1 finals in its history. With an exciting finals match, Woods was a Runner-Up for the Hawkeyes. With one year left, it will be exciting to see Woods compete again next season for the Hawkeyes.  

Earning his second All-American title this season is sophomore JD Perez out of Ottawa University. Finishing 6th in the 184-pound weight class at this year's NAIA National Tournament with a record of 34-9. Perez closed out the season with 18 falls putting him at the top of the list in school history for most falls in a season. With consistent improvements, it will be exciting to see the Deming native back on the mat again next season. 

Albuquerque/La Cueva native Jayden Lutrell helped his team to its first NjCAA national team title. Placing 5th in the 157-pound weight class as a freshman. 

Miyamura/Gallup native Yele Aycock out of North Central College had a great season in 2023. Yele was a National Runner-Up in the 136-pound weight class at this year's NCWWC National Tournament. Yele made a big tribute to North Central helping them win a national team title with her performance. With an overall record of 30-6, it will be exciting to see what adjustments Yele makes next season. 

Aztec native Princess Altsisi adjusted to the college level quickly making a finals appearance at this year's NJCAA National Tournament. Altsisi showed tremendous heart throughout the tournament making her presence known in the 136-pound weight class. Wrestling out of Iowa Central the future looks good for Altsisi.

Earning her second All-American title out of Grand Canyon University is Rio Rancho/Cleveland native Samantha Tuttle. This year the NCWA National tournament took place in Puerto Rico where Tuttle placed 3rd. Making consistent improvements it will be exciting to see how the future plays out for Tuttle's senior season. 

Colorado Mesa red-shirt sophomore Albuquerque/Manzano native Jennesis Martinez had a 4th place finish at this year's NCWWC National Championships making her a two-time All-American. Martinez finished the year with a 21-2 record returning as a junior next season.  

Freshman Bernalillo native Yaracely Saenz out of Indian Hills Community College placed 4th at the NJCAA National Championships helping her team run away with a National team title. Saenz competed in the 170-pound weight class. With a great start, the future looks promising for Sanez. 

New Mexico had over 50 wrestlers compete at the college level this season. With numbers increasing each year the future looks bright for wrestlers at the college level. Congratulations to all wrestlers that participate this season.