When watching the Camp Verde High School wrestlers, the majority united by matching bleach blond hair, it becomes obvious that they are at a level above that of their opponents.
The speed, skill and aggression with which they wrestle would lead spectators to think that the key to their success is hard work, experience and good coaching.
But it’s something else.
“The number one reason for our success is faith, our faith in God,” assistant coach Mario Chagolla Jr. said. “I know that a lot of people don’t like to talk about it, but we do.”
On their senior night, the Cowboys hosted a five-way dual meet with Verde Valley rival Mingus Union High School, Bradshaw Mountain High School, Mayer High School and Northland Preparatory Academy. At the halfway point of the meet, the Cowboy seniors were honored, being introduced in front of the crowd, escorted by family.
Of the 30 matches wrestled by the Cowboys, 24 were decided by a pin; only one was a loss.
“Our boys look like they’re on fire,” Chagolla said. “All the cylinders are firing.”
Senior Ezekiel Casillas [126] pinned all three of his opponents in the first period. First-year wrestler and senior Enrique Garcia [160] pinned three of his opponents and lost a 19-9 major decision to Mayer senior Caleb Wallace.
Senior Oscar Berrelez [152] pinned three of his opponents and lost a 5-3 decision to Mingus junior Nick Doerkson.
Senior heavyweight Usbaldo Talavera pinned both of his opponents in the third period.
Senior and three-time state champion Hayden Uhler [132] pinned two of his opponents and eked out a 6-5 decision to Mingus sophomore Trent Miller. It was tied 5-5 with one minute left in the match.
“So far it’s just like my sophomore and junior years,” Uhler said. “I’m undefeated so far and pinned just about everyone.”
Of the younger Cowboys, freshman 106-pounder Keene Todacheene pinned both of his opponents and freshman Korben Uhler pinned all four. Sophomores Brandon Ruiz [195] and Tristian Stanfield [220] wrestled only once; Ruiz earned a first-period pin and Stanfield dropped a 5-0 decision to senior Jacob Kidd of Bradshaw Mountain.
“Some rookies are improving by leaps and bounds,” Chagolla said. “There’s some major improvements from guys who are in their first year.”
Junior Daniel White [145] won a 15-0 major decision and dropped a 8-3 decision to Mingus junior Lucas Svoboda.
Junior Skyler Pike pinned in the first period of his sole match. Junior Michael Waage [170], in the first period, pinned once and was pinned once.
Chagolla said that the team focuses solely on earning a state championship, and that this year’s tournament could be the most competitive ever, with five teams having realistic chances of taking the title.
“All of this is just preparation for state,” Chagolla said. “I don’t care what dual or tournament we’re in, state is where it matters.”
Camp Verde was in action again on Jan. 20 and 21 at the 27th annual Sand Devil Classic at Page High School.
Its sectional tournament is on Saturday, Feb. 4, at Greenway High School, where the top four from each weight class moves on to the Arizona Interscholastic Association State Championships.
