![Korbin Uhler, of Camp Verde’s New Breed wrestling team, puts a hold on Austin Blomquist of Yuma during a match at Weekend Wars [above]. The ongoing competition, held in the Camp Verde Wrestling Complex every other weekend through the summer. Wrestlers from across the Southwest come to hone their skills for the regular season.](https://journalaz.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Weekend_Wars_1-696x462.jpg "Korbin Uhler, of Camp Verde’s New Breed wrestling team, puts a hold on Austin Blomquist of Yuma during a match at Weekend Wars [above]. The ongoing competition, held in the Camp Verde Wrestling Complex every other weekend through the summer. Wrestlers from across the Southwest come to hone their skills for the regular season.")
The New Breed Wrestling Weekend Wars, which are held throughout the summer in Camp Verde don’t just benefit the athletes, but also the town’s economy, according to the event’s director.
“Many volunteers from all over Arizona, as well as from out of state, representing different schools and wrestling clubs, are coming together bimonthly for kids. They all demonstrate how team spirit, a top-notch wrestling facility and innovative marketing can translate into sport tourism dollars, bringing spectators, athletes and their families to local hotels, restaurants and shops,” said Mario Chagolla Sr., who is also Camp Verde High School assistant coach.
On the mat Saturday, June 25, four New Breed wrestlers took first place in their weight classes: eighth-grader Korben Uhler [133 pounds], fifth-grader Rowen Wolfe [77 pounds], Alex Noone [open division], and fourth-grader Caiden Wolfe [85 pounds].
“The Wolfes had a tremendous tournament. Both Caiden and his sister Rowan went undefeated,” Chagolla said. “They are tough, solid wrestlers who keep coming at you no matter what they might be hit with. They are skilled and, at the same time, have that mental toughness that makes all the difference in the tough matches.”
He said the pair is quickly becoming a crowd favorite.
“They exhibit extraordinary speed, aggressiveness and strength for their age. They gave the crowd a magnificent show. There was a lot of cheering from all sides of the fence. Their matches were so close … using all the technique they have learned over the off-season. In the end, their hard work paid off with them both earning the victory over their opponents.”
Chagolla predicted a successful future for Uhler.
“Korben Uhler is a shoe-in for that elite list of multi-time state champions. He’s got a work ethic that’s rare. He really understands the sport and he loves it. It’s obvious when you watch him wrestle.
“Korben is powerful and explodes into every action. Even better, while all that power and quickness is put into play, you can see the gears turning, planning out the next three or four moves in advance. He is competing against older, heavier and stronger opponents during the off season as preparation for his quest toward a state championship title in high school.”
Chagolla also praised Noone, saying he has progressed into a “truly outstanding competitor.”
“He was explosive, a fiery competitor who competed with a ton of heart. At times Alex would wrestle ‘tight’ but when he opened up he is one of our most truly gifted athletes in our stable of thoroughbreds — strong, quick and very smooth technically.”
Prior to last weekend’s competition, the New Breed team went undefeated in the Cimarron Memorial Wrestling Tournament in Las Vegas, according to Chagolla and CVHS head coach Tracey Tudor.
There were 35 teams from California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah and Ohio.
In individual competition, Uhler and Skyler Pike each went undefeated.
