by 
Daniel Garcia on the mat. Photo by Emily Dockum
The San Manuel wrestling team hosted a four-team multi-meet on Dec. 7 and the Miners’ dominated by defeating Bisbee (48 – 36), Tohono O’odham (48 – 12) and Santa Rita (41 – 18).
The meet was the Miners’ first and only at home this season.
Daniel Garcia earned his first two career wins in grand fashion by pinning both opponents. Garcia’s effort and determination wowed the crowd in attendance and his teammates, five of whom finished a perfect 3 – 0 during the meet.
The Miners competed at Coyote Open at Skyline High School in Mesa on Dec. 9 – 10 and finished 14th out of 21 teams, most of them among the higher conferences across the state.
Franky Renteria vs Santa Rita. Photo by Natalia Ortega
State Champion contender Franky Renteria (170) finished second in the 32-man bracket as did teammate Ruben Hernandez (195).
The tournament was a good opportunity and measuring stick for the Miners, who had several wrestlers gain valuable experience in the JV Tournament on the second day of competition.
Upcoming schedule: Dec. 28 at Miami.
Ezra Miller on the mat. Photo by Emily Dockum
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.
by by