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Local wrestlers, Ichiro Ramos (Mtn. Vista) and Julian Rodriguez (San Manuel), compete in a multi-meet at San Manuel. Margaret Schofield | SMHS
Colbey Stratton is the Wrestler of the Week.
San Manuel Miner
The San Manuel wrestling team split two dual matches against Empire and Sabino last week, starting with a loss to Empire before coming from behind against Sabino on back-to-back pins by Marcos and Carlos Salas.
The Miners’ started with four-straight pins against Empire and held the lead going into the final three matches, but Empire proved to be too much and came from behind to win the dual, 43 – 30.
Against Sabino, the Miners’ turned the tables. Trailing 35 – 28 with two bouts left, Marcos and Carlos recorded back-to-back pins to clinch the dual, 40 – 35.
“We were two matches away from pulling out the win versus Empire, but good teams won’t hand anything over without a fight,” Miners’ head coach Daniel Najera said afterwards. “We performed well and wrestling these tough teams will prepare us for the start of our region schedule. We saw a lot of good things out there today.”
San Manuel High School Wrestler of the Week:Colbey Stratton, Sophomore, 160 LBS.
Colbey finished the week with a record of 6 – 1 and was the 160 LB Champion at the Marana JV Tournament. Besides having success in swimming, wrestling, and track, Colbey is a leader, a respectful young man, and goes above and beyond to help his teammates.
San Manuel Jr. High Wrestler of the Week:Michael Martinez, 6th grade, 83 LBS.
Michael goes to practice every day with the willingness to learn and improve. He was also chosen as the Student of the Month at First Avenue Elementary School last month. Michael is a great teammate and goes the extra mile to become a better student-athlete.
Upcoming events:Dec. 3 at San Manuel Multi versus Baboquivari, Benson, Globe, Morenci, and Thatcher. Dec. 6 at San Manuel Jr. High Invitational.
Andrew Luberda began writing for Copper Area News Publishers (CANP) in February 2013 after working 15 years in Healthcare Financial Management. Andy covers sports for 11 high schools. His stories are published in Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner and Superior Sun, in addition to the San Tan Valley Daily PRSS and CopperArea websites. Additionally, he has written human interest stories and business profiles. In May 2012, he earned an AAS in Sports Management at Central Arizona College before graduating with a BS in Communication from Arizona State University in 2014. He and his wife, Kelli, have three sons – AJ, Kyle, and Kade.
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