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San Manuel Miner
The San Manuel Wrestling team started its season last night at Sabino High School versus Empire and Sahuarita. There are only seven seniors among the team’s 31 wrestlers. Two seniors, four juniors, and two sophomores a – re among top returning wrestlers and state qualifiers.
“Our underclassmen will compete and battle for a starting spot,” said head coach Daniel Najera.
The Miners’ enter the 2014-15 season with a goal to finish in the top 10 at the State Tournament. Last year the Miners finished 18th.
“We had a great offseason and have added some missing pieces from last year’s squad,” Najera told theSan Manuel Miner. “Our goals are to stay healthy and improve every day.”
Gone from last year’s team is Colten Smith, who finished second at the state tournament but only as the result of a traumatic injury suffered during the championship match. Frankie Tamyao, who finished third at state last year, is another strong wrestler who departed the Miners’ program after graduation.
Marcos Salas (Sr, 106), Carlos Salas (Jr, 113), Francisco Medina (Sr, 132), Franky Renteria (So, 138), Jacob Christian (Jr, 138), Colbey Stratton (So, 145), Ricky Najera (Jr, 160), and Michael Sanchez (Jr, HWT) are the top returners and state qualifiers from a year ago.
Ruben Hernandez (Fr, 220) is the top newcomer, according to Coach Najera. Hernandez finished third at the Jr. High state competition last year.
“This group has great work ethic and is very motivated,” Najera said.
The Miners’ coaching staff includes assistant coaches Pablo Robles, Pablo Rodriguez, and Manny Yubeta. Joe Clark is the Jr. High head wrestling coach.
For more information on the Miners’ wrestling program please visit their website: www.sanmanuelwrestling.com.
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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