Aztec opens state wrestling tournament strong

The Daily Times staff Published 3:57 p.m. MT Feb. 22, 2019 | Updated 4:02 p.m. MT Feb. 22, 2019

FARMINGTON — Aztec opened its state wrestling title defense on a strong note today at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho.

Jaren McBride (106-pound division), Dylan St. Vrain (120), Christian Robison (126), Garrett Birzer (132), Cody Candelaria (138), Hunter Medina (145) and Joshua Hannah (285) all won their first-round matches via pins during the first period.

Zane Chapman (160), Malcolm Altisi (170), Logan Klepac (182) and Caleb Varzeas (195) all won their opening matches via second-round pins.

Bode Wooley (152) won his opening match via third-round pin, while Zack Roberts (220) won his opening match via 14-2 major decision.

In the first round of the girls bracket, Makayla Munoz (126) pinned Cleveland’s Samantha Tuttle at the 3:53 mark. Princess Altisi (160) pinned Kirtland Central’s Macaria Gutierrez at the 3:47 mark.

Aztec opens 4A state wrestling tournament Friday at Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho. Tigers eye back-to-back state titles this weekend. J.P. Murrieta/NMAA, Farmington Daily Times

Other area wrestlers open strong

Piedra Vista’s Julian Jaramillo (106), Kyle Baker (145) and Jacob Bartley (220) won their opening matches via first-round pins.

Farmington’s Taeoma Frank (120), Tyler Savell (145), Cirrail Allison (160) and Dante Norberto (285) also won their opening matches via first-round pins.

Visit daily-times.com for extended state tournament coverage.