Four Warrior wrestlers place at Iron Man Tournament
In his first match at 132 pounds, Christian Barajas pins a boy from Wapato.
MATTAWA - The Wahluke High School wrestling team had a successful day Saturday at the Granger Iron Man Tournament.
First year coach Rigoberto Jimenez sent eight boys to the mats, and four of them placed in their weight classes.
"The wrestling team had a great performance," he said.
The Warriors looked especially tough in the early rounds. Of the first four boys to wrestle, three scored pins. Captains Sebastian Barajas and Christian Fabela led the way at 113 and 132 pounds respectively.
Erick Valdovinos was the third boy to score a pin in the first round, also at 132. He went on to place fourth in his weight class. He won two more matches by decision.
"I was amazed how Erick went out there with a positive attitude and wrestled like a champion, with courage and determination," Jimenez said.
Christopher Morales, 126 pounds, beat his first opponent by pin. He took two more matches by points to capture a third-place medal.
"He came out very focused, and he gave his all to earn a 3rd place," Jimenez said.
Sebastian Barajas, 113 pounds, placed fourth. He won his first match by pin and won two other matches by decision.
"Sebastian is a very dedicated wrestler who works hard day after day and a very respectful person who keeps looking forward to reaching his personal goal.
Christian Fabela, 132 pounds, took third place in his division. He won his first match by pin early in the first round.
"Christian Fabela takes advantage of every second, minute and round of his matches. He brings determination, sacrifice and hard work to the mat every time he wrestles," Jimenez said.
Another Warrior who had success at Granger Was freshman Reyes Ramirez. He won his first match by one point and took the second by pin.
"He is a strong, hard working young man who wants to go to state, and he is doing everything to get there," Jimenez said.
"I'm very proud of my wrestlers for their effort on the mat," Jimenez added. "My wrestlers know that confidence comes with preparation. Nothing comes easy, and they must work hard to earn their prize."