Fargo

Eastwood Wrestlers Come Back Home to Hero's Welcome

By Courtesy Luis Rico

Sunday, July 25, 2010 - 9:26pm

Sunday, July 25: This week in Fargo, North Dakota the ASICS/Vaughan Junior & Cadet National Championships are taking place. Every year the nations best high school athletes gather at the nations largest wrestling competition in the world. Fargo is where future collegiate and eventual World and Olympic Champions showcase their skills in the international styles of Greco-Roman and Freestyle.

After an All-American performance at Freshman High School nationals in Virginia Beach Devin Vasquez (Cadet 130lbs) once again made the podium placing 6th out of 54 competitors earning All-American honors in Greco-Roman. After making it out of pool B, he eventually lost to Jesse Carlisle of Utah and returning All-American and Fila Cadet Champion Brandon Jeske of Virginia.

Fresh of his State Championship season this year at Eastwood High, Andy Rico (Junior 145lbs), with 77 competitors in his bracket, fought his way into the finals. After ringing off 4 straight wins yesterday, Andy suffered a 5th round loss, but battled back in the round robins to earn a spot in the finals against Dylan Ness of Minnesota. Andy lost two straight periods to Ness to earn a 2nd place finish. Ness a MN 3A state champion and a multiple high school All-American and will follow in his older brother Jayson's foot steps and wrestle for the powerhouse Golden Gophers at the University of Minnesota, where Jayson was a 2010 NCAA Champion and 4 time All-American.

This has been a big year for the city of El Paso in the sport of wrestling. An even bigger year at Eastwood High winning their 7th straight district title, placing in the top 10 at State Duals and the State Tournament. Even more so these to kids are not only high school teammates, they are also club teammates with the Texas Tribe and have been for the past 6 years. After the grueling high school practices these two kids head off to club practice for another couple of hours. Its no wonder why they are the elite not only of this town, but of the entire nation.

Wrestlers of the Year

City stars reach their goals

By Aaron Bracamontes / El Paso Times

Posted: 04/25/2010 12:57:22 AM MDT

EL PASO -- This past high school wrestling season was all about redemption for Eastwood High School's Andy Rico and Franklin's Alba Mendoza.

Both felt they could have had better 2008-09 seasons, and were out to prove it.

For the senior Mendoza it was a return to the state meet after missing out her junior year.

"Just knowing it was my last year, I wanted to make the most of it," she said. "I was so upset about how I did (last year) that I wanted to make up for it."

Meanwhile, Rico wanted to transform his state runner-up performance as a sophomore into a gold medal as a junior.

"I was just so excited when I won the gold, I can't even explain it to be honest," Rico said. "The weight just fell off my back."

Both wrestlers only lost two matches all season long, but perhaps those are the two that defined their seasons the most.

Rico and Mendoza are the El Paso Times 2010 All-City Wrestlers of the Year.

The move up from the 102 pound division to 110 didn't translate well for Mendoza her junior year. But that only made her hungrier for her senior year.

"I did not miss a practice, and if I did it was for a doctor's appointment," Mendoza said. "Every single practice, I never gave up and just kept working."

Franklin assistant coach Nick Mendez said her domination at the Frisco tournament showed that she was ready to return to the state tournament mat.

"I thought she was more dedicated this year than in the past," Mendez said. "During practice she didn't say much, but you could see it in her. She was determined to get what she wanted."

As a sophomore, Rico didn't have much to complain about, after winning a state silver medal as a 135 pounder. But he still wanted more, even with a move up to 145 pounds.

"Coming back from the state finals last year got me motivated for this year," Rico said. "I felt that I was where I was suppose to be (at 145). I felt stronger."

In practice, Rico was a force, Eastwood coach Roman Villa said, but it was in the heat of competition that he really came alive.

"He's a tremendous worker, in the wrestling room he goes all out," Villa said.

However, there was one small speed bump at the state duel meet. For the first time all year, he lost by decision -- twice.

"He's a stubborn competitor; he doesn't want to give up points," Villa said. "He is not happy unless he gets the pin."

But maybe that was a blessing in disguise, as he responded by pinning everyone he faced at the district, regional and state tournaments.

And he got his gold medal.

"When I lost those two matches, I realized that anyone can lose and I wasn't Superman," he said. "My goal wasn't to pin everyone, but instead to get points."

Mendoza remained undefeated all the way until the Region I finals, where she lost to Bushland's Shelby Morrison. They faced each other one more time in the state finals and the result was the same, but this time Mendoza was given vital information.

"She was third in the country, and I didn't know it until I lost at state," Mendoza said.

While Mendoza's high school career is over with, she is thankful that her father and sister convinced her to give the sport a shot five years ago.

Rico will look to take his skills a step farther next year.

"The positive is that I accomplished my goal, the downfall is I have high expectations for next year," Rico said. "Of course I want to win another state title but I also want to be an All-American."

Aaron Bracamontes may be reached at abracamontes@elpasotimes.com; 546-6381.

Alba Mendoza

School, grade: Franklin, senior.

Weight class, record: 110, 41-2.

Notes: Was the runner-up at both the Region I tournament and state tournament; placed seventh at Nationals; an All-American.

Andy Rico

School, grade: Eastwood, junior.

Weight class, record: 145, 37-2.

Notes: State champion; Region I champion; District 3 champion; pinned all his opponents in all three championship tournaments.

NHSCA Nationals

Eastwood freshman takes 8th at nationals

By Paul MacKinnon \ Special to the Times

Posted: 03/31/2010 09:38:14 PM MDT

EL PASO -- For the city's top talents, the high school wrestling season concluded a good month ago. But, for those even fewer elite grapplers, exit time was just a weekend ago. And, now, it's time to train.

While it may still be too soon to label Eastwood 130-pounder Devin Vasquez as elite, the 5-foot-6-inch freshman certainly has the early results to back it up.

After improving on his runner-up status at the Region I meet with an impressive fourth-place finish at the Texas state meet, the soon-to-be 15-year-old saved his best for last. He attained All-American status with an eighth-place finish among freshmen at the National High School Coaches Association Tournament, which ran March 24-27 in Virginia Beach, Va.

"That was about a 10, (the) toughest tournament I've ever been to in my life," said Vasquez of his 20-wrestler, freshman bracket. "At first, I thought I was going to do pretty good. That's what I thought. They didn't wrestle like freshmen. They wrestled like seniors. Big wake-up call."

City wrestling tournament director Ron Dentinger, said, "(The NHSCA) is like a who's who, the equivalent of the Nike tournament for basketball. For (Vasquez) to place in the top eight in a major competition like that means he's probably already a Division I athlete for his age group."

Vasquez opened by pinning New Jersey's Zachary Alto in less than two minutes. But, New Mexico's Anthony Abeyta turned the tables on Vasquez, pinning the El Pasoan 1 minute, 2 seconds into the second round.

"That hadn't happened to me in my whole first year of high school," Vasquez said.

Eastwood coach Roman Villa added, "For both Devin and (Texas State 145-pound champion) Andy Rico, (the city's only other competitor at Nationals), that was the first time that either of them got pinned this year. And we had a long talk over dinner about how they would bounce back."

Vasquez bounced back quite well, dominating Maryland's Matt Capobianco (4-0), Ohio's Michael Snyder (pin, 3:42), and New York's Joe Mastro (7-1) before getting decisioned by Connecticut's Miguel Calixto, 3-2.

"I really have high expectations for Devin, he doesn't know how good he is; he's like a little kid, very humble," said Rico, who was among his division's final 24 wrestlers until the nation's second-ranked Joey Kielbassa of Illinois eliminated him, 4-3.

"It's been a great season for both (Vasquez and Rico), not a lot could've gone better," Villa said. "They've had some good wins, tough losses. I'm encouraging them both to take a week off."

But, Vasquez doesn't appear to be having any of that.

"I'm gonna train harder, because now, there are a lot of expectations," he said. "I think I can make it to the finals, at least, next year. I want to train hard, maybe win state."

And maybe take a crack at sophomore Nationals, where eighth will not be enough.

Andy Rico Wins State

State Finals Recap

State - Day 2

Eastwood's Andy Rico wins gold in state wrestling

By Lenny Jurado / El Paso Times

Posted: 02/27/2010 11:27:48 PM MST

Andy Rico shot through the wrestling state championships Friday and Saturday as you might imagine from a returning silver-medalist.

Four opponents, four pins.

The Eastwood High School junior pretty much had his way in crushing the 145-pound weight division at the Austin ISD Delco Center.

"This is awesome, really awesome," he said. "I've been wanting this since I was a freshman."

Rico was El Paso's lone gold-medalist, but three others also finished top three.

Franklin senior Alba Mendoza took silver at 110 pounds, while Irvin senior Byelka Soto and Americas junior Valerie Rosales were third at 148 and 165, respectively.

This was Mendoza's third trip to state and second silver medal, which she earned in 2008.

"I was hoping to place higher, but I'm proud of myself," Mendoza said.

El Paso was well-represented in the girls' ranks, as four others placed fifth and five were sixth.

Team-wise, Eastwood's boys placed ninth with 53 points. Freshman Devin Vasquez helped the Troopers' cause by taking fourth at 130 pounds.

Franklin's Gary Martinez (125 pounds) and Hanks' Ryan Martinez (130) joined the pair in the all-state ranks (top six) with fifth-place finishes.

For his bold performance, Rico was named Outstanding Boy Wrestler of the Meet. No wrestler lasted to the third period in four matches (3 minutes, 40 seconds; 0:45; 0:57; 2:54).

Coincidentally, Rico's championship match came against Flower Mound's Drake Dudley, whom he had beaten before.

"Coach (Roman Villa) had started me in the neutral position (in the second period), so I got the takedown and after that, I got the crossface and I just locked his leg and locked my arms (for a cradle) and held on for dear life."

When victory came, it came with powerful emotion.

"I wanted to cry," Rico said. "I was just so happy. I saw my dad (Luis), and he embraced me so hard. It got me teary-eyed."

Earlier in the day, Mendoza had herself quite the challenge.

Mendoza had outlasted Hanks' Jordanne Diaz, 5-0, in the semifinals, then drew defending state champion Shelby Morrison (Bushland), who also is ranked No. 3 in the nation.

Mendoza was pinned midway through the third period, but the loss did not mar her experience.

"It was tough these two days, but I was proud I got to the finals," she said.

Meanwhile, Soto took third by hanging on against Arlington Bowie's Tess Vaughn in triple overtime.

"I was hungry for it; I wanted it all," Soto said. "I didn't even get tired, even though we went to overtime."

This was Rosales' third trip to Austin but her first time making all-state. She pinned Skyline's Cassandra Stealy in 3:32 for bronze. "I'm overwhelmed. I'm just excited and shocked. It was a good day."

Lenny Jurado may be reached at ljurado@elpasotimes.com; 546-6167.

State - Day 1

Eastwood High School's Andy Rico, Devin Vasquez reach wrestling semifinals

By Lenny Jurado / El Paso Times

Posted: 02/26/2010 10:44:57 PM MST

EL PASO -- The state wrestling championships got under way Friday, and nine girls and two boys will represent El Paso in the semifinals today in Austin.

Eastwood junior 145-pounder Andy Rico, a state runner-up last year, pinned both of his first-day opponents, while freshman teammate Devin Vasquez won two decisions at 130 pounds.

"They're wrestling really well," said Troopers coach Roman Villa, whose team currently is in ninth place. "Physically, they look like they're in the best shape of the year."

Rico earned his first win in 3 minutes, 40 seconds and the second in 45 seconds. Vasquez's decisions were 11-6 and 11-1.

"I was just focused," Vasquez said. "I had the matches in my head, already knew what I was going to do, so I just went out there and wrestled."

In the girls' ranks, El Dorado and Hanks each have two girls in the semifinals: Aztecs Akira Peña (95 pounds; pin 1:16, decision, 6-4) and Sarah Gonzalez (138; medical forfeit, 8-2); Knights Jordanne Diaz (110; 7-6, 6-5) and Darlene Fernandez (119; 4:56, 10-8).

"We're going to have a really tough match for both our girls," El Dorado coach Freddy Flores said. "If they continue to stay focused like they have been, then they have a good shot of entering those finals."

Also advancing to semifinal action are Franklin's Alba Mendoza (110; 3:16, 8-2), who next will wrestle Diaz, Irvin's Byelka Soto (148; 1:54, 1:33), Jefferson's Yvonne Galindo (148; 2:32, default), Americas' Valerie Rosales (165; 1-0, 8-0) and El Paso High's Ann Marie Uribe (185; 14-3, 11-2).

"At first I was real nervous because I didn't know what kind of girls to expect," Soto said, "but once I got to the mat, the nerves went away, and I gave it my all."

El Dorado currently is in eighth place, Hanks in 10th.

The championship round for girls will begin at 3 p.m. today, followed by the boys at 6 p.m.

Lenny Jurado may be reached at ljurado@elpasotimes.com; 546-6167

Regionals - Day 2

El Paso to send 19 boys to state wrestling meet

By Paul MacKinnon / Special to the Times

Posted: 02/13/2010 11:11:36 PM MST

EL PASO -- Defending Texas state champion Canyon Randall easily won the boys team title at Del Valle High School, but Saturday's finals of the 2010 Region I wrestling tournament definitely had a tinge of blue and gold to them.

That's because Eastwood High 145-pounder Andy Rico and 152-pound Bernie Gonzalez took home the city's only individual gold medals.

The Troopers' dynamic duo led a group of 19 local boys who qualified to advance to the state meet, set for Feb. 26-27 in Austin.

"All the guys are confident going to the state tournament," said Eastwood coach Roman Villa, whose team came within a whisker of a third individual gold when freshman Devin Vasquez nearly turned Randall's John Mark Avila in the final seconds of a narrow 3-2 loss. "Whether they finished first, second, third, wherever, they're confident they can make a run."

The 2009 135-pound state runner-up Rico was workmanlike, pinning every 145-pounder he faced over the two days, including just 55 seconds of work to get through Franklin's Johnny Gonzalez in the only all-El Paso finals.

"Practice, practice, practice, it all comes down to my practice," said Rico, who improved his record to 33-2 on the season. "You've got to get prepared mentally and physically."

Socorro three-time state qualifier Jonathan Sanchez defeated Canyon Randall's reigning 125-pound gold medalist Michiel Roberts inÊsemifinal action.

"I didn't know whether to yell or smile, or what. I felt like I'd already won first," said the silver medalist Sanchez, who lost an 11-3 major decision to Azle's Noah McKillip in the title match. "Now, I know I have the potential to become a state champion."

Hanks' Alec Silva (7-5 loss to Azle's Aaron Ryals at 119) also took home silver, along with first-time state qualifiers Lupe Sillas (Bowie, 13-5 loss to Randall's Marc Backus at 160), Franklin's Noah Earle (189 pounds, pinned by 2009 160-pound state champ Jace Bennett) and super heavyweight Kevin Muñoz (Americas, pinned by Amarillo defending regional champ Dalton Carter). But, everyone who qualified deemed themselves winners, as the top four finishers in each division advance to State.

"I was upset for just a little bit, but I knew I had to get my head on straight, because I had some must wins," said Burges three-time district champ Ricky Burns, who bounced back from a semis loss to Saginaw 135-pound runner-up Christian Moreno to eventually grab third place.

Regionals - Day 1

City's best wrestlers take aim at trips to state
By Aaron Bracamontes / El Paso Times

Posted: 02/10/2010 10:56:41 PM MST

EL PASO -- For the second consecutive year, El Paso will host the best high school wrestlers in the area when they meet up at the Region I championship tournament on Friday and Saturday at Del Valle High School.

The grappling will begin at 9 a.m. both days, with finals set for 4 p.m. Saturday. The top four individual placers in each weight class will move on to the UIL State Championships on Feb. 26-27 in Austin.

Last year, Chapin placed second on both the boys and girls sides. While the Huskies are hoping for a repeat performance, coach Angel Nevarez is impressed with his girls, who are ranked No. 1 in El Paso.

"To tell you the truth, I think this is a stronger group than last year's," Nevarez said. "We are taking eight, instead of the last year's 10, but these eight are a stronger bunch."

Chapin was runner-up to Amarillo Caprock, which is expected to be in contention once again, along with Hereford and Amarillo Tascosa.

"Granted, (Caprock is) the seven-time state champions, but they aren't the same as they were last year," Nevarez said. "There will be tough teams there, but it always comes down to who wrestles their best."

Irvin coach Don Gwynn said this week's practices are mostly used for preparation.

"We cut our practices a little shorter to save their legs," Gwynn said. "You can't teach them anything new now; you've just got to fine-tune what they are doing."

Twelve of last year's state qualifiers on the girls side were underclassmen from El Paso, including three from Chapin.

The Eastwood boys team, ranked No. 1 in El Paso, has hopes of taking down Canyon Randall, which won the regional title last year.

"We got a handful of kids who have their sights set on state," Troopers coach Roman Villa said. "That would be the ideal way to end the season -- wrestling for a state title."

Leading the way will be junior Andy Rico. Last year, he was the state runner-up in the 135-pound division, but this year he is competing at 145. "Our kids are ready, I think. They are excited," Villa said. "We're hoping to take more than a couple to state."

The Troopers qualified 11 for the regional tournament, but Randall and Franklin each sent 14.

Franklin's SP Martinez and Justin Carreon qualified for state last year and are geared up to go back. "Our goal is to go in there and do our best to peak at the right time," Franklin coach Jesse Almodovar said. "We've got to have a good Friday and Saturday."

Aaron Bracamontes may be reached at abracamontes@elpasotimes.com; 546-6381.

Del Valle, Eastwood repeat as wrestling champs

By Aaron Bracamontes / El Paso Times

Posted: 02/06/2010 11:36:10 PM MST

EL PASO -- The Del Valle High School girls wrestling team gave itself a nice surprise by winning the District 3 championship, while, as predicted, the Eastwood boys dominated the competition Saturday at Del Valle's Conquest Arena.

Despite being a young team, the Conquistadores girls made it back-to-back titles. The Eastwood girls finished second with 76 points and Hanks surprisingly fell to third with 65.

"It was huge, because we had some problems, because one of our girls didn't make weight," Del Valle coach Carlos Armendariz said. "Considering they're a real young team, they are real poised and strong."

Sophomore Mayela Rascon was jumping up and down upon hearing that her team repeated as district champs.

"Oh, it feels so cool," she said. "Well, a lot of our wrestlers are very inexperienced, so to be champs again is very good."

Rascon said this gives the Conquistadores motivation not only to do well at the Region 1 tournament Saturday at Del Valle, but also to repeat next season.

"At the beginning of the season, we were close to second-to-last place," she said. "To win when it counts the most feels so good."

Individually, Rascon was involved in the closest match of the day. She was edged 8-7 by Hanks' Darlene Fernandez in the 119-pound division.

Rascon had tied the match with 40 second left, but right before time expired, Fernandez scored an escape point for a narrow win.

"I knew time was almost up because the time keeper was right there," Fernandez said.

"So I knew I had to do something."

The close victory only made the gold medal that much sweeter.

"I think it was won with heart, because you've got to have heart in wrestling," Fernandez said. "It feels pretty good, because I never won district before."

It was a busy day for Eastwood, as the championship mat usually had at least one Trooper competing on it at all times.

"Everything went according to plan," Eastwood coach Roman Villa said. "The kids are real supportive of each other as a group."

Eastwood finished with 217.5 points, while Hanks was the closest competitor in second place with 166.5. Parkland was third with 94.

The whole team rallied for freshman Devin Vasquez as he defeated Hanks senior Ryan Martinez via decision in the 130-pound final.

"That was the match that might of swayed some of the momentum toward Hanks, if he lost," Villa said. "They were 2-2 against each other this season going in. The guys got excited on the sideline during that match and helped Devin through it."

Eastwood leader and returning state runner-up Andy Rico set a standard with a first-place finish in the 145-pound division. With a chance to go to state just days away, Rico said the Troopers are ready to go.

"I say top two or three at regionals," Rico said. "We are a really good team and at the state duals we got fourth, so I think we'll do good at regionals."

In the 125-pound division, Parkland's Damien Petta defeated Eastwood's Brandon Matthews in an 11-10 decision that saw several lead changes in the final period.

"Me and my coach had a game plan and stuck to it," Petta said. "I love wrestling and love the competition because there is no one out there but you."

Aaron Bracamontes may be reached at abracamontes@elpasotimes.com; 546-6381.

Bowie Tournament - Day 2

El Paso power struggle: Eastwood edges Hanks for boys wrestling title at Bowie Invitational

By Paul MacKinnon / Special to the Times

Posted: 01/23/2010 10:34:05 PM MST

EL PASO -- It was the wrestling season's final dress rehearsal before the district meets in two weeks, and it was Eastwood that came out looking its best Saturday afternoon at Bowie Gymnasium.

All three Troopers finalists won their matches -- including two head-to-head wins versus runner-up Hanks -- as Eastwood walked away with the boys team title at the Bowie Invitational.

"It's kind of been a rough week, I think the (Texas State Duals Tournament) really took a lot out of the kids," said Eastwood coach Roman Villa of his team, which placed an impressive fourth last week in Amarillo. "They could have come (to Bowie) with swelled heads and thought they were going to walk away with this tournament. But they didn't. And it was a battle until the last match."

Adrian Sandoval scored a narrow 3-1 decision over Hanks' Nathan Montes to win the 119-pound title, and freshman Devin Vasquez did the same in a 5-3 win over Knights senior Ryan Martinez to push Eastwood to its 207.5 to 197 winning margin.

Texas 2009 145-pound state runner-up Andy Rico, coming off his first two losses of the season after wrestling at 152-pounds in Amarillo, pinned everyone he faced to help the Eastwood cause.

"I'm still bummed about (the losses)," the 145-pound winner Rico said. "But, I'll learn from my experiences."

Third-place Chapin (182.5) won three of four finals matches to tie Eastwood for individual gold medalists.

Jordan Hildreth had to go into overtime to keep his seasonal unbeaten streak alive in a 4-3 win over Andress' Sergio Rubio. Abel Rodriguez, a 2009 state qualifier, grabbed the 152-pound title (with a 6-1 win over Cobre's Nick Delgado) while teammate Kevin Albone (in a 10-5 win over Americas' Devonte Rozier) was best at 180. Husky 171-pounder Ernest Rodriguez was pinned by lone San Elizario titlist Christian Hernandez.

"Unofficially, this is the city meet," Chapin head coach Angel Nevarez said of his squad's impressive showing heading into the District 1 meet Feb. 6 at Jefferson. "Except for (the Franklin varsity), every school in the city is here. It's the last time you get to see everyone until regionals (Feb. 19-20 at Del Valle)."

Franklin, at a tournament in Lafayette, Colo., has won that district meet an impressive 11 consecutive seasons.

"We always go toe-to-toe with Franklin," Nevarez said. "Unfortunately, we've always come out on the bottom end."

Super heavyweight Kevin Muñoz decisioned former El Dorado teammate Jorge Machado 5-1 to join current Americas teammate Ruben Lujan (11-0 major decision over Fabens 112-pounder Jesus Flores) as champions.

Burges' Rick Burns, with Eastwood's Colton Woodruff lost for the season to an elbow injury, solidified his hold on the city's 135-pound division in a 4-2 decision of Cobre's Xavier De La Torre. Bowie's Lupe Sillas defeated El Paso High's Miguel Tovar (3-2) for the third time in four tries in a 160-pound match that could very well be reprised at the District 2 meet, also at Jefferson.

Jonathan Sanchez of Socorro (125 pounds) and Canutillo's Jose Castro (189) will carry Bowie gold into the District 4 meet at San Elizario, while Eastwood puts its six straight District 3 titles on the line at Del Valle.

"We kind of fizzled at the end of last year," Villa said. "We've changed things up a bit this year, and I think the kids are peaking at the right time."

Erik Rangel took home gold for a Santa Teresa team facing its district meet Feb. 12-13 in Roswell. The sophomore will look to improve on his fourth-in-state finish two weeks after district in Albuquerque.

The Texas state meet is set for Feb. 26-27 in Austin.

Bowie High School Wrestling Invitational results

Bowie Men's Wrestling Tournament Team Scores

1. Eastwood -- 207.50
2. Hanks -- 197.00
3. Chapin -- 182.50
4. Americas -- 168.00
5. Gadsden -- 141.00
6. Silver City -- 138.00
7. Santa Teresa -- 122.50
8. Parkland -- 113.00
9. Burges -- 111.00
10. Franklin JV -- 89.00
11. Montwood -- 88.50
12. Cobre -- 79.00
13. El Dorado -- 72.50
14. Bowie -- 67.50
15. Socorro -- 67.00
16. Bel Air -- 60.00
17. Del Valle -- 59.50
18. Andress -- 55.00
19. San Elizario -- 49.00
20. El Paso High -- 47.00
21. Canutillo -- 46.00
22. Ysleta -- 44.00
23. Irvin -- 34.00
24. Jefferson -- 32.50
25. Coronado -- 31.00
26. Chaparral -- 24.00
27. Fabens -- 21.00
28. Austin -- 20.00
29. Riverside -- 13.00
30. Deming -- 0.00

Bowie Men's Wrestling Tournament Place Winners

Weight: 103
1st: Erick Rangel, Santa Teresa 4- 0
2nd: Jesus Ramos, Gadsden 3- 1
3rd: Jesse Portillo, Burges 4- 1
4th: Juan Gambert, Hanks 4- 2
5th: Ivan Castillo, Montwood 3- 2
6th: Danny Barraza, Americas 3- 3

Weight: 112
1st: Ruben Lujan, Americas 4- 0
2nd: Jesus Flores, Fabens 3- 1
3rd: Joel Mascorro, Gadsden 5- 1
4th: Brandon Woo, Coronado 4- 2
5th: Zeke Villaba, Silver City 3- 2
6th: Frankie Ceniceros, Socorro 2- 3

Weight: 119
1st: Adrian Sandoval, Eastwood 4- 0
2nd: Nathan Montes, Hanks 3- 1
3rd: Gerardo Ramirez, Americas 4- 1
4th: Marcos Romo, Montwood 3- 2
5th: Daniel McCauley, Silver City 5- 2
6th: Forfeit, 5- 2

Weight: 125
1st: Jonathan Sanchez, Socorro 4- 0
2nd: Enoc Mascorro, Gadsden 3- 1
3rd: Damien Petta, Parkland 4- 1
4th: Brandon Matthews, Eastwood 3- 2
5th: Javier Vasquez, Americas 4- 2
6th: Brandon Flynn, Burges 3- 3

Weight: 130
1st: Devin Vasquez, Eastwood 4- 0
2nd: Ryan Martinez, Hanks 3- 1
3rd: A J Sedillo, Santa Teresa 5- 1
4th: Luis Rosales, Chapin 3- 2
5th: Chris Gonzales, Gadsden 4- 2
6th: Adonis Ortega, Silver City 2- 3

Weight: 135
1st: Rick Burns, Burges 4- 0
2nd: Xavier De La Torre, Cobre 3- 1
3rd: Corey Gentry, Hanks 4- 1
4th: Frank Alvara, Chapin 3- 2
5th: Benny Moya, Eastwood 6- 2
6th: Manuel Hernandez, El Paso High 4- 3

Weight: 140
1st: Jordan Hildreth, Chapin 4- 0
2nd: Sergio Rubio, Andress 3- 1
3rd: Leo Hernandez, Hanks 4- 1
4th: Joshua Rodriguez, Eastwood 4- 2
5th: Arturo Anchondo, Santa Teresa 4- 2
6th: Hector Chacon, Montwood 2- 3

Weight: 145
1st: Andy Rico, Eastwood 4- 0
2nd: Andrew Alvarez, Silver City 3- 1
3rd: Jesus Reyes, Parkland 4- 1
4th: Aaron Rios, Chapin 3- 2
5th: Carlos Hernandez, Montwood 6- 2
6th: Pablo Contreras, Santa Teresa 4- 3

Weight: 152
1st: Abel Rodriguez, Chapin 4- 0
2nd: Nick Delgado, Cobre 3- 1
3rd: Julian Jaramillo, Burges 4- 1
4th: Hugo Hernandez, Hanks 3- 2
5th: Nevada Bencomo, Silver City 4- 2
6th: Joey Vela, Eastwood 3- 3

Weight: 160
1st: Lupe Sillas, Bowie 4- 0
2nd: Miguel Tovar, El Paso High 3- 1
3rd: Noah Villaba, Silver City 4- 1
4th: Jon Limon, Hanks 4- 2
5th: Dominique Duran, Cobre 4- 2
6th: Dylan Cordero, Ysleta 2- 0

Weight: 171
1st: Christian Hernandez, San Elizario 5- 0
2nd: Ernest Rodriguez, Chapin 3- 1
3rd: Irving Galindo, Bel Air 5- 1
4th: Jonel Ortiz, Eastwood 3- 2
5th: Ricardo Macias, Hanks 3- 2
6th: Aaron Blanchard, Parkland 5- 3

Weight: 180
1st: Kevin Albone, Chapin 3- 0
2nd: Devonte Rozier, Americas 2- 1
3rd: Eric Perez, Bel Air 3- 1
4th: Robert Holguin, Franklin JV 4- 2
5th: Ben Gonzalez, Eastwood 4- 2
6th: Angel Ortega, Bowie 2- 0

Weight: 189
1st: Jose Castro, Canutillo 4- 0
2nd: Kevin Nguyen, Franklin JV 3- 1
3rd: Cesar Ortega, Americas 5- 1
4th: Darius Montgomery, Chapin 4- 2
5th: Forfeit, 4- 2
6th: Forfeit, 4- 2

Weight: 215
1st: Josh Mcmenimen, Hanks 4- 0
2nd: Fabian Lopez, Santa Teresa 3- 1
3rd: Johnny Salome, Parkland 4- 1
4th: James Alvarado, Silver City 4- 2
5th: Ben Hernandez, Bel Air 4- 2
6th: Anthony Saldana, Bowie 2- 2

Weight: 285
1st: Kevin Munoz, Americas 4- 0
2nd: Jorge Machado, El Dorado 3- 1
3rd: Oscar Escajeda, Gadsden 4- 1
4th: Jose Arenivas, Parkland 3- 2
5th: Chris Gonzalez, Silver City 4- 2
6th: Luis Jimenez, Franklin JV 3- 3

Bowie Women's Wrestling Tournament Team Scores

1. Chapin -- 128.00
2. Irvin -- 114.00
3. El Dorado -- 94.00
4. Burges -- 70.00
5. Austin -- 63.00
6. Del Valle -- 60.00
7. Andress -- 57.00
8. Socorro -- 53.00
9. Hanks -- 48.50
10. Bowie -- 44.00
10. (tie) Franklin JV -- 44.00
12. Eastwood -- 35.00
13. Sandia -- 30.00
14. Jefferson -- 29.00
15. Parkland -- 23.00
15. (tie) Bears -- 23.00
17. El Paso High -- 22.00
17. (tie) Montwood -- 22.00
19. Bel Air -- 18.00
20. Huskies -- 15.00
21. Canutillo -- 14.00
22. San Elizario -- 12.00
23. Fabens -- 11.00
24. Aztecs -- 10.00
24. (tie) Knights -- 10.00
26. Americas -- 9.00
27. Riverside -- 7.00
27. (tie) Conquistadors -- 7.00
29. Eagles Canutillo -- 6.00
30. Cornado -- 2.00
30. (tie) Ysleta -- 2.00
32. Trailblazers -- 0.00
32. (tie) Tigers -- 0.00
32. (tie) Rams -- 0.00
32. (tie) Bulldogs -- 0.00

Bowie Women's Wrestling Tournament Place Winners

Weight: 95
1st: Akira Pena, El Dorado 3- 0
2nd: Tiffany Chavez, Andress 2- 1
3rd: Celeste Vallejo, Chapin 3- 1
4th: Stephanie Martinez, Austin 4- 2

Weight: 102
1st: Desiree Galindo, Austin 3- 0
2nd: Adriana Barreras, Socorro 2- 1
3rd: Jackie Cordero, Burges 3- 1
4th: Brittany Carter, Chapin 2- 2

Weight: 110
1st: Alba Mendoza, Franklin JV 4- 0
2nd: Jordanne Diaz, Hanks 3- 1
3rd: Brenda Villela, Chapin 4- 1
4th: Rebecca Medina, Del Valle 4- 2

Weight: 119
1st: Alysha Gallis, Sandia 4- 0
2nd: Darlene Fernandez, Hanks 3- 1
3rd: Mayela Rascon, Del Valle 5- 1
4th: Jo De La Riva, Burges 4- 2

Weight: 128
1st: Gabriela Nelson, Chapin 4- 0
2nd: Abril Ramirez, El Dorado 3- 1
3rd: Alexandra Hernandez, Del Valle 4- 1
4th: Janae Shaw, Irvin 5- 2

Weight: 138
1st: Jerilyn Partin, Chapin 4- 0
2nd: Sarah Gonzalez, El Dorado 3- 1
3rd: Brandi Martinez, Irvin 4- 1
4th: Emily Trejo, Socorro 3- 2

Weight: 148
1st: Byelka Soto, Irvin 3- 0
2nd: Yvonne Galindo, Jefferson 3- 1
3rd: Steph Amerina, Burges 3- 1
4th: Connie Garcia, Andress 3- 2

Weight: 165
1st: Alexus Dominguez, Austin 3- 0
2nd: Jazmin Shaw, Irvin 2- 1
3rd: Gloria Guerra, Bel Air 3- 1
4th: Mellisa Valadez, Chapin 1- 2

Weight: 185
1st: Ann Uribe, El Paso High 3- 0
2nd: Melissa Rivera, Bowie 2- 1
3rd: Maria Sanchez, Bears 4- 1
4th: Monica Camacho, Parkland 2- 2

Weight: 215
1st: Diana Varela, Chapin 3- 0
2nd: Jescelia Upton, Andress 2- 1
3rd: Alicia Ealey, Irvin 3- 1
4th: Erica Nicolson, Eastwood 2- 2

Bowie Tournament - Day 1

Bowie Wrestling Invitational under way: Boys, girls competitions a 3-team race

By Aaron Bracamontes / El Paso Times

Posted: 01/22/2010 11:22:15 PM MST

EL PASO -- After the first day of the Bowie High School wrestling tournament, it appears that it will be a three-team race for the championship in both the boys and girls divisions.

On the boys side, Eastwood, ranked first in the city, is leading the way with 106.5 points, followed closely by Hanks (ranked No. 3) with 106 and Chapin (ranked No. 4) at 94.5.

No. 2 Franklin is competing at a tournament in Lafayette, Colo.

On the girls side, through the second consolation round, No. 2 El Dorado is in first with 48 points, with No. 3 Irvin is in second with 40. No. 1 Chapin is in third with 38 points.

The premier El Paso wrestling tournament will resume at 9 a.m. today with the semifinals and consolation rounds. The championship round is expected to begin at 3 p.m.

"The semifinals are what's going to determine who wins and who loses," Hanks coach Anthony Carter said. "That's what will separate everyone. If you want to see some good wrestling, go check out the semifinals."

Hanks has seven boys remaining in the championship bracket. Carter said his team has come back strong after is suffered several injuries last week at the state dual meet.

"From what I've seen tonight, we're doing fantastic," Carter said.

El Dorado coach Freddy Flores feels the same way about his girls, as they try torebound from a 2-point loss to Chapin last week at the duals.

"The momentum that was built over there has carried over to this week," Flores said. "They've got to step up to the challenge. If you want to be the top dog, you have to take it to that team."

The Aztecs have five girls still in title contention, including senior Akira Peña in the 95-pound division, and junior April Gomez in the 119 division.

Chapin coach Angel Nevarez likes that both of his squads are in position to make a move, but he wants more out of them when they take the mat today.

"Our strong wrestlers are wrestling the way they're supposed to," Nevarez said. "Today they did good, but tomorrow it has to be their best if they want to pull it off."

The Huskies have six boys and eight girls in the semifinals. "I'm going to tell them not the let the standings get to them, but instead motivate them," Nevarez said. "I want them focused on their opponent in their match one at a time."

Another team having a strong showing is the Americas boys team. They are in fourth place with 84 points, just one ahead of fifth-place Gadsden.

On the girls side, No. 5 Burges is fourth with 30 points, while No. 6 Del Valle and No. 9 Socorro are just a point behind.

Aaron Bracamontes may be reached at abracamontes@elpasotimes.com; 546-6381.