Cavemen Compete at Southern Regionals

By Don Eskins

Thirteen Cavemen wrestlers will be hoping to earn berths in this year’s state tournament at the Southern Regional Championships in Albuquerque on Saturday, February 14. The tournament will take place at the Duke City’s West Mesa High School.

State tournament berths will go out to the top seven placers, plus a wild card selection in each weight class.

Overall, the tournament will consist of 16 Class 5A teams, making the road to state a most difficult one for grapplers throughout southern New Mexico.

“This is the time of the year we’ve prepared for all season,” said CHS head wrestling coach Mark Pratt. “Regardless of how tough this year’s tournament might be, our guys are excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.

“I feel like we’re ready; now we just have to go out and get it done,” he said. “If our kids can stay aggressive on the mats and wrestle smart the way they’ve been taught to do, I think all of our kids will have a great shot at moving on to state.”

The Cavemen will be led at Saturday’s regional by seniors Justin Owens, 138; Francisco Calderon, 150; Jay Norris, 165; Eddie Lopez, 175; and Xavier Huff, 190.

“We look pretty solid from 138 up. But we have three eighth graders, Phenyz Meier at 113, William Graziano at 120, and Zair Cornejo at 126, who obviously lack regional experience,” said Pratt. “But they’re ready to go just like our older kids, and we expect to see good things from them.

“This will be a win-or-go-home meet for our kids, and they all understand too well just what that means,” he said. “No doubt we’ll be getting their best efforts.”

The New Mexico State Wrestling Tournament will take place in Rio Rancho on Friday and Saturday, February 20-21.

Cavemen Regional Lineup: 113, Phenyx Meier; 120, William Graziano; 126, Zair Cornejo; 132, Guess Box; 138, Justin Owens; 144, Matheis Meier; 150, Francisco Calderon; 157, Jay Norris; 165, Xander Huff; 175, Eddie Lopez; 190, Xavier Huff; 215, Juan Rubio; 285, Jaxson Powell.