Regional ready? Teams set for final stretch

With the conclusion of the regular season at hand, preparations are underway for the all important high school regionals in wrestling.

The Belen boys and girls head into the post-season with considerable momentum. During the Leonard Kirby Invitational on Saturday, the host Eagles swept their way to a 5-0 record in the boys competition with easy dual victories over Tierra Encantada, Roswell, Mayfield, Deming and the Cleveland junior varsity.

“It was a great way to end the regular season,” said Chris Perea, Belen boys coach. “They are on track,” for the regionals.

BHS finished the regular season with a stunning 19-0 dual meet record.

On the girls side of the Kirby Invitational, Belen posted a 4-0 record, with an overall record of 8-1 for the season.

Valencia did not compete in the Kirby Invitational as originally planned. Coach Shawn Avis-Labus said it was because the roster was “banged up,” and “We felt as a whole that we should rest up and prepare for regionals.”

The Los Lunas boys and girls competed last weekend in the APS Metro Tournament at La Cueva.

LLHS boys coach Steve Chavez said the team dealt with several injuries and illnesses, while finishing eighth. Individually, Aaron Ramirez (113 pounds) and Noah Chavez (132) were runners-up, with Anthony Scott (138) in fourth place. Cleveland captured the boys title.

In the girls division. Los Lunas was 10th. Earning second place nods were Haidyn Garley (190) and Janie Wheeler (235).

Before heading to the 5A boys regional Feb. 14 at West Mesa, Los Lunas hopes to pin down the district title Friday at Rio Grande. On Feb. 13-14, Belen and Valencia will be in Santa Teresa for the 4A boys regional.

The girls’ all-class regional, featuring Belen, Valencia and Los Lunas, is set for this Friday and Saturday in Roswell.