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Mt. Vista and Club wrestlers with Coach Rodriguez. John Hernandez | Miner
Samico Salazar with his championship belt. John Hernandez | Miner
San Manuel Miner
A couple of wrestlers in Oracle have been doing very well this season. Gilbert Rodriguez wrestles for the Mt. Vista Junior High Cougars and Samico Salazar wrestles for an Oracle club wrestling team. Both teams are coached by Gilbert Rodriguez, Sr.
The wrestling club travels all over the state. Samico is six years old and recently traveled to El Paso, Texas to compete in the Texas Chainsaw Matsacre. Samico took first in the six years old and younger heavyweight division. He only started wrestling last February. Another wrestler from Oracle Charles Croci was doing well in the tournament until he was seriously injured and had to withdraw.
Gilbert Rodriguez is currently one of the best junior high wrestlers in the state. Prior to the 2015 Central Junior High League Championships, he had accumulated a record of 24 wins and one loss. His only loss was to last year’s defending state champion. He was named Outstanding Wrestler at the 2014 San Manuel Invitational. He took first place at the 2015 Safford Invitational and was named Outstanding Wrestler of the tournament where 100 wrestlers competed. He won first place at the Thoroughbred Wrestling Tournament and placed second at the Sun Kid’s Classic. Gilbert placed first at the CJHL Championships in the 78 pounds division. We will be hearing more about these two fine wrestlers.
John Hernandez lives in Oracle. He is retired and enjoys writing and traveling. He is active in the Oracle Historical Society. He covers numerous public events, researches historical features and writes business/artist profiles.
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