Fabian Padilla 7th at NAIA National Tourney

By Don Eskins

Former Caveman wrestler Fabian Padilla placed seventh at this year’s NAIA National Wrestling Tournament in Park City, KS. Competing for Life University in Marietta, GA, Padilla grappled at 157 lbs.

Throughout his wrestling career, Padilla has experienced a boatload of success.

As a sophomore at Carlsbad High, in 2017, wrestling at 138 lbs., he placed second at the NMAA state tournament. During his junior season, 2018, he placed second once again at 145.

As a senior, Padilla ended his run of state tournament runner-ups. Wrestling at 170 lbs., he captured the NMAA’s 2019 state championship.

Following his stint at CHS, the talented Caveman moved on to compete with the Western Iowa Reivers in Council Bluffs, IA. At Western Iowa, while wrestling at 157 lbs., he won a National Championship during the Reivers 2022-23 season.

For his success at both Western Iowa and Life University, Padilla is a two-time All-American.

“We’re all so proud of Fabian around here,” said CHS head wrestling coach Mark Pratt. “Although he works so hard on the mat to achieve his goals, he’s also a young man who has never forgotten his roots.

“Since going off to college, he’s been helping out with our off-season wrestling program every summer,” said the CHS coach. “He’s also held a wrestling camp or two for us.”