Tony Freeman - New Mexico Gladiator

Every month Newmexicowrestling.com will commemorate a wrestling gladiator from its past. This month we are honored to commemorate former Manzano Monarch, Tony Freeman. A Tiger from the past that could very well be one of the best light-heavyweights to ever step on the mat for New Mexico. 

Tony started his wrestling career off as a Manzano Monarch, nicknamed "The Tiger" by his Mom as a baby because she always craved Frosted Flakes when she was pregnant with him, is what sources tell us. Tony was one match away from placing at state his freshman year at the 167-pound weight class. As a sophomore and junior Tony placed 3rd at the 185-pound weight class both years. Tony capped off his high school career as a senior with a 25-0 record claiming his first state title in 1988. Later that year Tony also earned All-American honors placing 8th at Asics Freestyle Nationals at the 178-pound weight class. 

Tony went on to wrestle in college at CSU-Pueblo under Head Coach Doug Moses where he was a 3X All-American. As a sophomore Tony place 5th at the NAIA National Championships in 1990. His most impressive title came his junior year in 1991 where he placed 2nd at the NAIA National Championships. The team Tony was a part of in 1991 was also inducted into the CSU-Pueblo Hall of Fame in 2017. In 1992 CSU-Pueblo switched from the NAIA level to the NCAA Divison 2 level. As a senior Tony placed 5th at the NCAA Division 2 National Championships giving himself bragging rights as the first New Mexican to earn All-American honors at that level. 

Presently Tony resides in Pueblo with his wife Terri and their 4 boys. All are exceptional athletes and honor students. Zion, a senior, Xavier, freshman, Sebastian, 8th grade and Justus, 5th grade. All hats off to future New Mexico Hall of Fame Wrestling Legend Tony Freeman!

Article By: Anonymous

2/14/2019