This season the wrestling team has seen a noticeably strong presence from the junior class. While younger classmen are sometimes overlooked, the wrestling program has made sure to develop the younger athletes as they move up each year. The junior class’ strength stems from talented athletes and rigorous training.

Junior Justin Clatterbuck stated, “Our class has good chemistry and we really find strength in the numbers.”

Other notable juniors include varsity regular Joe Abeita and state medalist Travis Calloway. One reason these boys have such great chemistry is due to the opportunity they have to rise up in the program from year to year.

The boys have been improving all season. Ever since Puma Duals the team has remained determined to keep their momentum up, especially at tournaments.

Coach Johnson noted, “We are really playing at our best. Our last two tournaments at Apache Junction and Ironwood we have come in first out of 20 and 16 teams respectively.”

This year, wrestling set a new school record by sending eight boys on to the State Tournament, two more than the previous record of six. Among the eight are juniors Clatterbuck (220 pounds), Joe Abeita (106 pounds), and Travis Calloway (182 pounds).

Calloway added, “Since freshman year I knew our class was strong. This year it feels like over half the team is juniors.” Calloway finished 4th in his weight class at the state tournament in Prescott, Ariz.

The success of the team, however, depends on more than just a single athlete or even a single class. It is stressed that everyone on the team plays an important role and every match counts.

Abeita commented, “We have such a strong program and a great bond on the team. It is so important that everyone on the team does their part.”

Most notable is the State performance from Justin Clatterbuck who placed first in his weight class during sectionals. He ended the season with a record of 32-8 and finished third in the state tournament.