Hayden Lobos
Hayden wrestling head coach John Estrada believes as many as four Lobos have a “chance” to qualify for the State Wrestling Tournament in Prescott next month. Unfortunately, senior Joel Rodriguez (18 – 3, 220), junior Peter Kame (26 – 7, 195), senior Noah Monroy (13 – 6, 182) and senior Omar Lopez (24 – 9, 132) are all currently battling injuries but expect to return to action soon. They’ll need to with just four weeks left in the season.
“They plan to come back for sectionals,” Estrada told Copper Basin News. “It’ll be tough.”
The sectionals will take place at Mogollon High School with the top-four placers in each weight class advancing to the state tournament.
Overall, it’s been a successful season for the Lobos’ wrestlers so far. In addition to the four previously mentioned, Julian Gonzales (138), a freshman, and sophomore Josiel Rodriguez (170) have 19 and 16 victories, respectively, so far.
Lopez has three top-five placements in three tournaments so far, while Kame has three top-six placements.
The Lobos next tournament is Jan. 25-26 at Mogollon High School.