By Andrew Luberda
San Manuel Miner
The San Manuel wrestling team took to the mat against Sabino and Empire – both Division III schools – in a dual meet on Tuesday, November 26, 2013. Despite a great effort against both opponents, the Miners came up short in both duals. They lost to Sabino, 42 – 40, and fell to Empire, 46 – 35.
Head coach Daniel Najera said he was pleased with his team’s performance against the higher division schools. He added that the Miners “wrestled with poise and aggression.”
“The boys looked good tonight,” Najera said in an email to The Miner. “When we had opportunities to pin we did. That’s one area we’ve been working a lot on. Getting those bonus points really helps out.”
The Miners lost two matches by only two points. Najera said the experiences that come along early in the season will pay dividends later.
“We need to be challenged in those types of matches,” he said. “(It) will improve our situational wrestling so we can win those close matches.”
Freshman Franky Renteria (106) was named Miner Wrestler of the Week by the coaches. He won both of his matches at the Empire meet. According to Coach Najera, Renteria works as hard on the mat – he has not missed a practice – as he does off it.
“Franky leads by example on and off the mat,” Najera said. “He is a 4.0 student and is in Student Council.”
Empire Results:
San Manuel 40 Sabino 42
106 lbs: Franky Renteria WBF
113 lbs: Frankie Tamayo LBD 4-2
120 lbs: Carlos Salas WBF
126 lbs: Anthony Lopez WBM 12-2
132 lbs: Patrick Lopez LBF
138 lbs: Cisco Medina LBD 6-4
145 lbs: Colbey Stratton LBF
152 lbs: Isidro Wasko won by forfeit
160 lbs: Jacob Christian won by forfeit
170 lbs: Shane Kelly WBF
182 lbs: Open
195 lbs: Jose Frisby LBF
220 lbs: Open
HWT: Miguel Gonzalez LBF
San Manuel 36 Empire 45
106 lbs: Franky Renteria WBF
106 lbs: Franky Renteria WBF
113 lbs: Frankie Tamayo WBF
120 lbs: Carlos Salas LBF
126 lbs: Anthony Lopez WBF
132 lbs: Patrick Lopez LBF
138 lbs: Cisco Medina WBF
145 lbs: Colbey Stratton LBF
152 lbs: Isidro Wasko WBF
160 lbs: Jacob Christian LBF
170 lbs: Shane Kelly LBF
182 lbs: Open
195 lbs: Jose Frisby LBD 2-6
220 lbs: Open
HWT: Miguel Gonzalez won by forfeit