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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.
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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