Rejuvenated Miranda heading to state

 Cibola wrestler Gabriel Miranda had a perfect 2007-08.

 After going 45-0 and winning the 5A Division II state title at 130 pounds, a 38-2 season is good but, obviously, not perfect.

 Although, it was enough to garner the Raiders' senior the top seed at 135 pounds in the 5A Division II state wrestling tournament. Miranda moved through to the quarters Thursday at Deer Valley High with a pin. The tournament moves to Jobing.com Arena in Glendale today and Saturday.

 Dealing with his first losses in more than a year were tough. The first came at the El Cajon (Calif.) tournament to Poway's Conrad Snell, who is ranked No. 4 in California at 135 pounds in late December.

 The second came two weeks later as Miranda attempted to win back-to-back titles at the Flowing Wells Invitational. He lost to three-time state champion Josh Change of Mingus 6-2 in the 135 pound final.

 "Those two losses have been disappointing," Miranda said. "I wish I could have done way better but it happens. You can't win them all.

 "I take it as a learning experience. You got to fix it for the next match."

 Raiders coach Pepe Moreno sees the losses as a positive. Miranda came back to practice rejuvenated.

 "That's been the difference," Moreno said. "Overall, he's been more focused and confident. This season has been different in that Gabriel hasn't had guys around that pushed him every day in practice. He's worked with some bigger guys, so he's gotten stronger. I think he's ready."

 Miranda wrestled most of the year at 140 pounds but will go to state at 135. The move made the Raiders (29-1) a better team.

 There was no question what weight Miranda would wrestle at state. At the opposite end of the bracket is Marcos de Niza's Josiah Stotts (43-2). The two met at Flowing Wells, where Miranda advanced with a 1-0 decision.

 "I know Stotts is going to give me a good match," Miranda said. "We had a good match at Flowing Wells. I am looking forward to that."

 Miranda is considered a lock to at least medal - finish in the top six - and in doing so become the first Cibola wrestler to place at state four straight years. He could also become the third Raider to win back-to-back state titles.

  "I am not thinking about all of that, I just want to win my next match," Miranda said.