Five Cavegirls Punch Tickets to State

By Don Eskins

Five Cavegirls, headed by regional champion Ellianna Campos, punched their tickets to this year’s state tournament at the Southern Regional Championships on February 6-7 in Roswell.

Campos, only a junior, posted a glittering 5-0 record en route to claiming the Southern Regional title at 125 lbs.

Also picking up passports to the Big Dance, which will take place at Rio Rancho on February 20-21, were, at 235, Atria Wells, 5-1, third; at 170, Sophie Westfall, 4-1, third; at 120, Emily Fuentes, 4-2, fourth; and at 190, Arianna Campos, 4-2, fourth.

“Ellianna dominated the field on her way to picking up a regional title,” said CHS head wrestling coach Mark Pratt. “I don’t think she was ever in any real trouble throughout the tournament.

“We also saw some great things from Atria, Sophie, Emily, and Arianna. They all gave it their best shot and, with a little luck, could have finished even better,” he said. “We still have a couple of weeks before state, so during the next couple of weeks, we’ll give them some time off to rest up and recoup a bit. We’re really looking forward to watching them face off at state. They’ve all got a great opportunity to do something very special there.”

To qualify for state, wrestlers had to place among the top seven in each weight class or earn a spot as a wild card.

As a team, the Cavegirls, who entered the regional tournament with four open weight classes, placed sixth in a field that included 34 teams.

“Overall, our staff was pleased with the efforts we got from all our girls,” said the CHS coach. “Everybody collected at least one win, which we’re all very proud of.”

CHS won 66 percent, 31 of 47, of the matches in which they competed.

New Mexico Southern Regionals:

Team: 6 of 34

Cavegirl Results: 100, Ava Guymon, 2-2, DNP; 105, Camila Gamez, 2-2, DNP; 110, Scarlett Harmer, 2-2, DNP; 115, Raelyn Graziano, 2-2, DNP; 120, Emily Fuentes, 4-2, 4th; 125, Ellianna Campos, 5-0, 1st; 130, open; 135, open; 140, open; 145, Kendall Graziano, 1-2, DNP; 155, Adrianna Calderon, (Sick did not wrestle); 170, Sophie Westfall, 4-1, 3rd; 190, Arianna Campos, 4-2, 4th; 235, Atria Wells, 5-1, 3rd. (Class 1 through 5)