Over the course of the 2013-14 high school wrestling season, Dolores High School freshman Richard Martinez solidified his status as an up and coming star.
Now three months removed from the conclusion of the high school season, Martinez has continued to shine.
Competing in the Aztec Warrior Championship in Farmington, N.M., Martinez was nothing short of spectacular, winning titles in the freestyle and folkstyle tournaments.
Wrestling on April 26 in the 116-pound division of the folkstyle tournament, Martinez kicked things off with a pin victory over Miklo Gibb.
Martinez went on to win a 4-2 decision over Justin Wood in the semifinals before defeating Gilbert Cristoval Valerio 6-4 in the championship.
One day later, on April 27, Martinez competed in his first ever freestyle tournament and again took top honors, defeating Branden Bedoni 11-0, Tristan Medina 14-2 and Justin Wood 12-2.
An impressive performance to say the least, Martinez expressed satisfaction with his overall results.
"I think it went great," said Martinez. "There was great competition there and it exposed me to new things."
Clearly motivated to improve, Martinez plans to attend summer camps in Pagosa Springs and Nebraska this summer. Martinez also plans to compete in several tournaments around the state while continuing to life weights on a daily basis. "I didn't place (at state) this year, which really inspired me to work harder this offseason," said Martinez.
In light of Martinez's tireless work ethic and motivation to improve, the sky appears to be the limit for Dolores High School's up- and-coming star.
