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TJ Madrid going for the pin. Photo by Lindsy Schupman
San Manuel senior wrestler Ruben Hernandez (195) went 8 – 0 before taking home 2nd-place at last weekend’s Marana Duals, which took place at Marana High School.
The Miners, who were wrestling against powerhouse D-1 and D-II programs from Chandler, Mesa and Tucson, did benefit from the experience despite the results. They defeated Rio Rico (36 – 30) for their lone victory at the meet. Their only other competitive match was a 41 – 30 defeat against Desert View.
Head coach Manny Yubeta said his team “ran into a buzz saw” at the meet and acknowledged his team was outmanned against bigger wrestlers. Adrian Romero (220) went 4 – 4 and was the only Miners’ wrestler to have moderate success against his opponents.
During the break, the Miners will return to action on Dec. 28, as they travel to Miami for a holiday multi-meet. Yubeta is hoping the Miners will be at full strength by then.
Jaden Smith fighting out of a hold. Photo by Lindsy Schupman
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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