Former Cavegirl Wrestler Claims Title

Bits & Pieces by Don Eskins

Former Cavegirl grappler Rosalia Rubio, Class of 2024, is a National Champion!

Rubio, a freshman wrestling for the Iowa Western Reivers in Council Bluffs, IA, claimed this year’s 117 lb. title at the recent National Junior College Athletic Association’s Wrestling Invitational. She downed Indian Hills’ E. Burnett on a technical fall, 16-5, in the championship final.

“After she defeated Burnett, I got a call from her mother. In tears, she just kept saying, ‘She did it! She did it! She did it!’ It was that kind of moment for all of us,” said CHS head wrestling coach Mark Pratt.

“When things settled down a bit, I also got a call from Rosalia to tell me she had won. But for me, it wasn’t a surprise at all. I’d been following her throughout the tournament,” he said. “She’s such a special young lady, and we’re all so very proud of her.”

As great an athlete as she is, Rosalia said winning a national championship was, for her, unbelievable.

“Winning the national title really caught me off guard. As a freshman and seeded sixth, I really didn’t expect to win it all this year. I just went into each match trying to do my best,” said the former Cavegirl. “But when the official raised my hand, it felt great. It was both exciting and unbelievable.”

Rosalia has made everyone proud, including her family, her coaches and teammates, CHS, and the community of Carlsbad as well. Yet all the success she’s experiencing couldn’t have happened to a more deserving young lady!

“Although she is a national champion, Rosalia’s much more than just a great athlete,” said Pratt. “ She has a big heart and has always been such a giving person.”

Rosalia is the daughter of Juan and Myra Rubio.. Rubio is looking forward to returning to Carlsbad during her spring break on March 21.

Although she has an array of items on her plate to attend to, there are a few that will take priority.

“First, I want to spend some time with my goddaughter and nephew. She’s about to have her first birthday, and he’s about to celebrate his second,” she said. “Then, I hope to be able to go up to the high school and spend some time with Coach Pratt, his staff, and the Little Cavemen Wrestling Program.”

Yes, I’d say Carlsbad does have a lot to be proud of!

From the Carlsbad Local: Congrats, Rosalia!