By Don Eskins
The Cleveland Wrestling Invitational, held in Rio Rancho on Friday and Saturday, January 3-4, was supposed to be a big one. And it was!
Coming from New Mexico, California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and Colorado, 135 teams showed up to make it one of the year’s most challenging high school wrestling events.
And for some athletes—especially the young ones—the Cleveland event was even somewhat intimidating.
“It was a huge tournament, one of the biggest our kids have ever been to, for sure,” said CHS head wrestling coach Mark Pratt. “And yes, for some of our young kids, it was a bit intimidating. But it was something they needed to experience, and once they settled in, they wrestled well.
“We’ve been finishing in the middle of the pack in most all of the tournaments we’ve participated in this year, and here at Cleveland, we did it once again,” he said. “But considering our youth, the fact that we were once again without some of our front-liners, and the enormity of this tournament, our staff was pleased with the efforts we saw from our kids.”
Overall, the Cavegirls finished 27th in a field of 67, and the Cavemen 41st in a field of 73. For the event, the Cavegirl roster was comprised of just six girls—four seniors, one junior, and a sophomore. Twelve wrestlers made up the Cavemen’s roster, which included two seniors, four juniors, four freshmen, and two eighth graders.
Cavegirl senior Aaliyah Martin, who wrestles at 235, was the only CHS grappler to place. Martin went 4-2 at the meet to place fourth.
A transfer from the state of Wyoming, Pratt said Martin continues to impress. “Aaliyah has proven to be well-versed in this sport,” said the CHS coach. “She works hard and has become a team leader. We are really happy to have her on our team.”
Although not placing, six other Carlsbad wrestlers came close.
“Cavemen Aiden Rodriguez (4-2), Justin Owens (3-2), and Geremiah West (3-2), and Cavegirls Andrea Ramirez (4-2), Emily Fuentes (3-2), and Mya Cornejo (3-2) lost in the blood round. Had they won there, they would have advanced on to the medal round,” said Pratt. “Although they put out a great effort, they just came up a bit short against some great competition.”
Next up for Carlsbad High’s wrestlers will be the Ruidoso Invitational. The meet will take place on Saturday, January 11.
Cleveland Invite Recap:
Cavemen: Team 41/73
114- Aiden Rodriguez 4-2, DNP; 121- Axel Rodriguez 0-2, DNP: 127- Mathyis Meier 2-2, DNP; 127- Anthony Fuentes 0-2, DNP; 133- Guess Box 1-2, DNP; 139- Carter Pulice 0-2, DNP; 145- Justin Owens 3-2, DNP; 152- Joicis Ornelas 0-2, DNP; 160- Jack Waters 0-2, DNP; 172- Eddie Lopez 1-2, DNP; 189- Geremiah West 3-2, DNP; 215- Jaxon Powell 1-2, DNP;
Cavegirls: Team: 27/67
100- Andrea Ramirez 4-2, DNP; 114- Emily Fuentes 3-2, DNP; 126- Ellianna Campos 2-2, DNP; 132- Mya Cornejo 3-2, DNP; 165- Jacklin Powell 0-2, DNP; 235- Aaliyah Martin 4-2, 4th.
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