San Manuel Junior High School eighth-graders Raymond Garcia (93), Vicente Curry (111) and Aiden Lozoya (245) won the championships of their respective weight divisions at the Central Junior High League Wrestling Championships, which took place at San Manuel Jr/Sr High School on Thursday, Jan. 16.
In addition to the three champions, four other Jr. Miners placed at the annual event, where SMJHS finished third as a team. Seventh-grader Sean McDermott (88) placed third while eighth-graders Elmer Smith (125), Richard Ivy (133) and Augustine Romero (142) placed second, third, and second, respectively.
“For being such a small team of seven wrestlers, these kids had the fight of three teams,” San Manuel Sr. High head coach Michael Borg told the Miner. “There was no stopping them from practice to dual meets and tournaments; they were always prepared for war.
“These young men represented the school and their coaches very well, bringing the hard-nosed action of San Manuel wrestling with them every match they wrestled. Miner Pride was exhibited in every one of these young wrestlers.”
The Jr. Miners will travel to Prescott Valley to compete at the Arizona Junior High School Wrestling State Championships Jan. 31 – Feb. 1, 2020.
Richard Ivy working to take his opponent. Photo by Pacey Smith-Garcia 
San Manuel Junior High School Wrestling Team. Photo by Bino Sanchez