Rattlers start season strong

With only four days of practice, the Tucumcari Rattlers start the season with seven wrestlers placing in the top four at Dumas.

Saturday's 12 team invitational featured some of the top teams in Texas including Randall High, Amarillo High, River Road and Tascosa High.

"We did not get the team results but feel we should have taken third," said assistant coach Donnie Garcia. "The competition was tough and it helped out our guys in so many ways."

Placing for the Rattlers were: Dillon Woods, 3, (103), Casey Romero, 2, (119), Leon Vigil, 4, (125), Matt Pacheco, 2, (135), Casey Jendusa, 4, (145), Martin Macias, 4, (160) and Willie Archuleta.

"We had some good matches this weekend," said Rattlers head coach Eddie Encinias. "These guys really stepped it up for their first event. But it is back to business and time to get ready for this weekend."

Encinias had the 45 members of the Rattlers wrestling program operating at a fast pace Tuesday afternoon.

"We did OK this weekend guys but there is a lot that we missed," Encinias said. "We need to keep pushing, the season is only going to get harder."

Encinias said the guys are working hard now, but those that have been down this road know once district starts the tougher the competition becomes.

"These guys push as hard as they can and when they don't have anything left, district rolls around," Encinias said. "They will dig deep and give more. It is a real endurance trail and these guys love it."

The Rattlers will compete Saturday at Randall High School in Amarillo.