STATE CHAMPION: Tiger James Bachicha pins down state shocker

RIO RANCHO — As the unlikely started to become likely Saturday during the State Wrestling Championships at Rio Rancho Events Center, noise from fans watching the finals suddenly morphed into an odd mix of boisterous cheers and a stunned murmur.

A young Volcano Vista student on the edge of the mat videotaping the 160-pound 5A championship match gasped, “Oh no,” as James Bachicha, of Los Lunas, escaped from a precarious position against Volcano Vista junior Lorenzo Gallegos, putting the two-time All-American and twice state champion on his back.

Seconds later, when the referee slapped the mat signifying Bachicha’s second period pin, pandemonium and disbelief took over. Despite Bachicha’s impressive pedigree, with a 43-2 record, the victory was probably the biggest upset of the tournament and one of the most surprising this year in New Mexico.

“Definitely not what everyone expected, but I knew in my heart that I could get it done,” Bachicha said after the happy chaos following the match calmed down enough to do an interview.

“Hell of a win. It’s just an amazing win,” was how Steve Chavez, LLHS coach, described it.

When asked where he would rank the victory after decades as a coach, Chavez said, “One of the top five, easy. He did it. He did it.”

After the traditional arm raising, there were 10 minutes of uncontrollable joy and bedlam, starting with Bachicha embracing his coaches and teammates. It continued with the Tigers’ senior standing on a railing, like John Cena, exhorting the faithful.

Soon, a wave of supporters encircled Bachicha, flowing away from the action on the floor as matches continued behind them. Bachicha made his way to the top of the arena, giving his father a long hug, before returning to the depths of the building for more tears and congratulations with a growing entourage.

“It makes me the happiest man in the world to see everyone surround and support me,” including a group of Belen wrestlers.

“Everyone in Valencia County is like a family,” said Bachicha.

Heading into the tournament, Bachicha felt “disrespected” when Gallegos moved up into his weight class during the season, perhaps sensing an easier path to a state title. Bachicha, twice a third-place finisher at state, would prove a tough out, even when he was trailing in the second period.

“He probably got a little comfortable,” Bachicha said of Gallegos, and, “You keep wrestling, you don’t let the foot off the gas. We’re going to celebrate this one tonight.”