Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Serving Clovis, Portales and the Surrounding Communities
Clovis freshman Noah Lyles tries to avoid being pinned, but was eventually overmatched by Artesia junior Zane Skinner.
CLOVIS - Clovis High's boys claimed a win on Saturday in the first-year program's home debut, defeating Artesia 52-21 at Rock Staubus Gym.
The Wildcats won five matches by first-period pin and three others by forfeit against the Bulldogs, while eighth-grader Kaleb King claimed a four-point major decision at 220 pounds (a margin of victory of at least 12 points) with a 26-12 win over Ulrich Mendez.
Meantime, the Bulldogs posted three first-period pins and an 8-6 decision by Tristan Baker over sophomore Abel Avarez at 126 pounds.
CHS girls had three matches, all decided by first-period fall, including an intrasquad tilt in which Sophie Collazo defeated Yazmean Ledezma. Meantime, eighth-grader Zulehiry Mendoza notched a win in the 120-pound division while sophomore Katie Joslin lost to her Lady Bulldogs opponent.
CHS coach Eric Zottneck, who helped start the Artesia program several years ago, said he was excited to win the team's first home contest.
"I was proud they did their jobs and won our first home dual," he said. "That's a huge success for us."
On Jan. 4, the Cats and Lady Cats traveled to Amarillo for a triangular against Tucumcari and Amarillo High. The boys lost to the Rattlers 45-20 and the Sandies 55-18 while the girls posted a 20-0 win over Tucumcari and lost to Amarillo High 15-5, with Mendoza posting a major decision (win by at least 15 points) for the Lady Cats' lone team points.
Clovis was slated to visit Roswell High for a dual on Tuesday night. The Cats and Lady Wildcats will be will at home again on Saturday morning when West Las Vegas comes to town in an 11 a.m. start.
