LLHS names designated girls wrestling coach

LOS LUNAS — Crashing through barriers has become commonplace for LoriAnn Archuleta, who was just hired as the first head coach exclusively designated for the girls wrestling team at Los Lunas High School.

From 2011 to 2014, Archuleta competed in wrestling at Valencia High School, on the boys’ team. That was six years before female wrestlers had their own state championship in New Mexico.

Archuleta was there in 2014 as Missouri Valley College developed a women’s wrestling program. After college, Archuleta turned to coaching, where she was named the district Coach of the Year at Odessa High School in Missouri.

Now, the 29-year-old, a teacher at Los Lunas Middle School, is ready to take over the girls team for the Tigers. Archuleta will work alongside Steve Chavez, who remains the boys coach.

“I’m very excited to be back in my home town and have the opportunity to lead the LLHS girls program,” Archuleta said. “I’m excited to work with everybody and build the team culture up.”

According to the New Mexico Activities Association, LLHS is one of just three schools in the state, along with Sandia and Moriarty, that have a woman as head coach of their girls wrestling squad. The NMAA adds that only about 18 of 67 schools have a designated girls’ head coach.

Bill Hays, Los Lunas Schools director of athletics, felt a head coach was needed specifically for the girls’ program because of the increased interest in the sport at LLHS.

“With that growth, it made sense to add a dedicated girls coach,” Hays said in a statement. “It is another step toward supporting the expansion of girls wrestling across the district.”

At Valencia High School, Shawn Avis-Labus will oversee both of the programs this season, but Hays said a designated girls’ head coach could be added if participation numbers grow.

A solid resume and a string of excellent mentors has Archuleta believing she will be prepared when practice gets underway Monday across New Mexico.

“Each experience has shaped me as both a coach and a leader,” said Archuleta. “I hope that through my work I can continue to help open doors and inspire other female athletes to pursue their passion for wrestling.”

The learning experience for Archuleta includes a stint last season as the associate head coach at Volcano Vista in Albuquerque under LLHS graduate Ahren Griego. The Hawks have captured three straight 5A boys championships.

Along the way, Archuleta has formed her own coaching philosophy.

“Success in wrestling and life comes from discipline, accountability and a strong sense of community,” Archuleta believes. “I like to hold my athletes to high standards on the mat and in the classroom.”

Tigers, Eagles rivalry returns

Archuleta will get her first taste of the Los Lunas-Belen wrestling rivalry this season, with the resumption of the longtime, sometimes heated, series between the schools. A dual meet, for girls and boys, between the Tigers and Eagles is back on the schedule after a one-year hiatus.

There was not a head-to-head competition between BHS and LLHS last season, likely because of an incident involving Belen fans near the Eagles’ team bus following the meet the previous year.

“It is great to see that matchup return,” said Hays. “Rivalry meets like this bring out the best in both communities, with strong competition and pride on both sides.”

The Eagles and Tigers will go to the mat Dec. 17 at the BHS gym. Belen will host Valencia on Jan. 28.