City stars reach their goals
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
Andy Rico
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