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Colten Smith and Francisco Medina work on techniques. (Nicole Primero-Predgo photo/San Manuel High School)
Frankie Renteria and Joseph Lopez get in some grappling practice. (Nicole Primero-Predgo photo/San Manuel High School)
By Andrew Luberda
San Manuel Miner
The Miners’ wrestling team opened their season on Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2013 against Sabino. The Miners return after a very successful season last year when they finished with a 35 – 15 dual record, placed fifth at sectionals, and 11th at state.
Head coach Daniel Najera returns for his second season leading the Miners’ wrestling program. His assistants are Amanda Trejo, Rick Molinar, Josh Giles, and Joe Clark.
Despite losing four starters from last year’s squad, the Miners have 10 returnees including, Frankie Tamayo (106), Carlos Salas (115), Anthony Lopez (120), Cisco Medina (138), Colten Smith (152), Nick Wright (160), Roberto Guerrero (170), Jacob Christian (182), and Miguel Gonzalez (220). Freshman Michael Sanchez will wrestle at heavyweight.
Tamayo, Lopez, Medina, Wright, and Guerrero are state qualifiers from last year. Senior Colten Smith has had three consecutive top four finishes at state over the past three seasons.
Freshman Franky Renteria and Colby Stratton are the newcomers on the Miners’ wrestling team. Renteria joins the team coming off a second-place finish at state in Jr. High School.
The team’s managers are seniors Latryce Rodriguez, Kiara Mancha, and freshman Rhiannon Morneweg.
Coach Najera is excited about his team and knows they must put in the work to be successful.
“Our goal is always to put 14 wrestlers on the mat, practice hard every day and compete,” he said. “Our kids are working hard and all we expect is effort and dedication. We’re very excited and looking forward to get back on the mat.”
The Miners next match is Dec. 4 at Benson versus Bisbee, Baboquivari, Morenci, and Pima.
Coach Daniel Najera works with Anthony Lopez. (Nicole Primero-Predgo photo/San Manuel High School)
Anthony Lopez and Roberto (RJ) Castillo get in some practice. (Nicole Primero-Predgo photo/San Manuel High School)
Coach Daniel Najera, Anthony Lopez, Colten Smith, Francisco Medina, Frankie Renteria, Joseph Lopez, Roberto (RJ) Castillo, Juan Isidro Wasko work for the coming season. (Nicole Primero-Predgo photo/San Manuel High School)
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