Belen Eagles disagree with state wrestling ruling

RIO RANCHO — Belen’s disappointment in not successfully defending the 4A New Mexico State Wrestling Championship Saturday was compounded by a controversial decision in the semifinal match at 127 pounds between the Eagles’ Derian Rodriguez and Caleb Gustafson of Moriarty.

Between the second and third periods, Gustafson was awarded a point to take a 7-6 lead. Belen coaches argued the official made a mistake, but the match soon resumed.

Gustafson held on to win by that same 7-6 score, sending Rodriguez, a senior, to the consolation bracket, where he finished sixth.

Over the next several hours, BHS coach Nick Sanchez and his staff tried to explain to referees and New Mexico Activities Association officials that they believed an error had been made.

Dusty Young, NMAA associate director, told the News-Bulletin that match officials said the official scorers missed a point, so it was added between periods.

Young said the referees listened to concerns of the BHS coaches during the match and proper protocol was followed. Young added that video replay is not allowed for review and once the next match starts, the score is final.

After the competition, Sanchez said he did not want to comment about the ruling.

In an email Monday, Steven Contreras, Belen athletic director, told the News Bulletin he had spoken with Scott Owen, NMAA assistant director of sports, who confirmed the match result is official.

Sanchez confirmed he sent an incident report to the NMAA, but wouldn’t disclose the contents. Young said an incident report is “a formal way to submit information” to the NMAA. It could include ejections, positive or negative actions or concerns “that come up from an NMAA sanctioned contest.”

Young reiterated “the results are final and will not change.”