New Mexico Junior Wrestling works hard to promote youth wrestling State wide.  The goal is to introduce this cumbersome sport to young athletes so that they will excel and compete at a much broader level in their High School and College Careers.  This season was inparticularly exceptional as NMJW observed the talent that many of the athletes possess.  There are approximately 1300 members in the NMJW league and it is exciting to watch the young boys and girls evolve into productive young men and women both on the mat and off.

As NMJW volunteers and mentors, it is important to instill values such as Talent, Sportsmanship, Dedication, Citizenship and Academics into this process.  The young men featured below are examples of all of the above.  All four athletes have wrestled for NMJW since they were 6,8, and 10 years of age.  This is an opportune time to recognize their accomplishments.

Each one of these wrestlers were designated into the 15 and Under age division for NMJW.  However, these athletes elected and were eligible to wrestle at the High School level because of the schools they were attending.  Each one of them were successful in their endeavours.

LOGAN WOLFEL - 13 YEARS OLD - RAVEN JR. WRESTLER - 6 YEAR VETERAN

• NMJW Two-Time State Champion
• Rocky Mountain-Two-Time Who's Bad Champion
• Greater Southwest Nationals-Champion
• Rocky Mountain-Champion, Monster Match
• Rocky Mountain-Champion, Rocky Mountain
• Rocky Mountain-Triple Crown Winner
• Big Horn-Two-Time Champion

Note: Other placings included: Panhandle Nationals, Tulsa Kick Off, Sunkids Classic

High School Highlights - Sandia Preparatory School, 8th Grade - Head Coach, Fred Wolfel

• 3A High School District Champion
• 3A High School State Placer (4th)
• 2009/2010 Record - 18-10

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BO NICKAL - 13 YEARS OLD - RIO RANCHO JR. WRESTLING - 6-8 YEAR VETERN

• NMJW-Three-Time State Champion
• Rocky Mountain Nationals-Triple Crown Winner
• Three-Time USA Folkstyle National Champion
• Three-Time Wretling Greco National Champion
• Two-Time USA Wrestling Freestyle National Champion
• Five-Time Greater Southwest National Champion

Note: Bo has captured the titles in 18 Rocky Mountain National Events

8th Grade Season Highlights - Rio Rancho High School - Head Coach, Jason Nickal

• 8-0 Southwest Shootout Duals All Tourney Team
• Las Cruces Invitational-Champion
• Reno NV. Tournament of Champions-4th place (84 man bracket)
• Peoria AZ. Invitational-2nd place
• Top of the Rockies Colorado-3rd place
• Garden City KS. Invitational-3rd place
• 5A State Runner-up

Other Highlights:

• Defeated 5A Arizona State Champion
• Defeated 2X Alaska State Champion
• Defeated Kansas 6A State Runner-up

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LUKE SANCHEZ - 14 YEARS OLD - ST. MICHAELS CATHOLIC SCHOOL - 4 YEAR VETERAL

• NMJW - State Champion
• Panhandle Nationals - Champion
• Greater Southwest Nationals Champion
• AAU Grand Nationals - Champion

Note: Luke also competed in additional National events and was a placer in older divisions

High School Highlights - St. Michaels Catholic School, Head Coach- Coach Pepperas

• 3ADistrict Placer (3rd) 152lb.
• 3A High School State participant
• 3.0 GPA

Interview with Luke:

Q. What has wrestling brought to you as an individual---A. "Wrestling has helped me become a well rounded individual.  I have also learned alot about discipline."

Q. Define "Discipline". ---A. "I would define discipline as making me a better person.  I have learned that you have to work really hard for what you want and not depend on other people or coaches to get you there.  I look at it like a match, in the first period, you learn, the second period, you execute, and the 3rd period, you blow out living to the fullest.  I have also learned that you must put the hours into training and keeping your weight in check by doing it the healthy way.

KOERY WINDHAM - 13 YEARS OLD - ST. MICHAELS CATHOLIC SCHOOL - 7 YEAR VETERAN

• NMJW- Multi State Champion
• Greater Southwest Nationals - Four-Time Champion

Note: Koery has also competed at other national events and is a placer in all.

High School Highlights: St. Michaels Catholic School, Head Coach- Coach Pepperas

• 3A High School District Champion - 125lb
• 3A High School State Champion - 125lb
• 3.82 GPA