WRESTLER OF THE WEEK

This past weekend, the annual Super 32 Challenge took place in Greensboro, NC. It boasts bragging rights as one of the toughest wrestling tournaments on American soil. New Mexico had 9 wrestlers participating at the event.

Senior St. Pius wrestler Valentine Popadiuc wrestled in the 138-pound weight class. Scraping his way through a 256-man bracket, Popadiuc had four straight wins, reaching the round of 32, where he dropped his first match to Dean Anderson of Arizona.

With two wins in the consolation finals, Popaduice battled back earning an 8th place finish. Joining an elite list as the 3rd New Mexican wrestler to place in the Super 32 Challenge at the high school level.

In 2014, Former 3x state champion Lawrence Otero of Volcano Vista placed 5th. Alongside teammate and 4x state champion Eric Montoya of Volcano Vista placing 4th also in the Super 32 Challenge.

Popadiuc also collected an 8th place finish at USA Freestyle Junior Nationals late this summer in Fargo, ND. 

With the recent accolades, Popaduic has also committed to wrestle at Iowa State University, which has traditionally been one of the most prestigious colleges to attend for college wrestling.

With a great off-season and pre-season, the two-time defending state champion is entering the season on fire. With his performance this past weekend, Popadiuc has earned his spot as the #2 pound-for-pound ranked wrestler in New Mexico.