Rams rumble in state's wrestling ranks

RIO RANCHO, N.M. (KRQE) - Rio Rancho High School's wrestling program has developed a knack for winning year after year.

The Rams have won the Class 5A state championship three years in a row and six of the last seven years.

Traditionally the Rams have prepped for state competition with a strong regular season schedule, featuring out-of-state meets with some of the nation's better wrestlers.

"By traveling to Reno (Nevada), we go to Arizona, Colorado, Kansas and here in New Mexico, we just challenge ourselves every week," Rams Head Coach Jason Nickal said.

Over the last few years, the Rams have garnered national notoriety with their wrestling program while producing numerous repeat individual champions.

This season, senior Louis Trujillo is in pursuit of his fourth straight team and individual championships.

"We get a feel for other states and other wrestlers and we see what's out there," Trujillo said. "And when we come back to state we're ready to go."
The state high school wrestling championships will take place Feb. 19-20 at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho.

In the meantime, the Rams will stare at another solid field of competition this Friday and Saturday in the Joe Vivian Invitational at Cibola High School. The meet will feature many wrestling programs from the metro area.

"You're getting the best of the best in New Mexico," Nickal said. "It's a pretty good indicator of how you stand in the state."

All this work leads to one thing in the Rams' minds.

"Make our kids the best they can be and get them nationally recognized and hopefully have them wrestle at the next level," Nickal said.