New Wahluke wrestling coach ready for first year

MATTAWA - New Wahluke High wrestling coach Rigoberto Jimenez is "excited" about his first season at the helm. He has some state caliber talent on hand.

Top returning wrestlers will include junior Adrian Toscano, 138 pounds, junior Francisco (Franky) Tapia, 152 pounds, senior Christian Fabela, 132 pounds, and senior Sabastian Barajas, 112 pounds.

Jimenez expects Toscano, Tapia, Fabela, Barajas and incoming freshman Juan Toscano to shine, perhaps all of the way to the state tournament.

"I am very proud of the effort and dedication these student athletes are putting in," Jimenez said. "I am looking forward to seeing the top athletes in the state tournament."

Jimenez graduated from University of Great Falls with a bachelor of science in health human performance. He's a preschool teacher at Mattawa Elementary school.

"Sports are part of my life," he said. "I love to wrestle and run all the time."

Jimenez started wrestling at an early age. He wrestles and trains hard to inspire his student athletes.

Jimenez wrestled for Royal High School and made it to the state tournament three years in a row.

"I believe wrestling has taught me to be the strong person that I am now," he said. "I have experienced hard work and discipline thanks to wrestling. If I did not have wrestling and the drive it has given me, I would have not experienced some of the amazing moments in my life."

Jimenez shares his wrestling experiences with others in the wrestling room (in practice). He believes in himself and that he can develop a successful wrestling program.

"I want student athletes to experience moments like mine, working hard at a high level and reaching their goals because it is the most satisfying feeling in the world," he said.