Cibola poised for another strong season

On paper, Cibola is the team to beat in the Gila Valley Region and considered one of the top-five teams in 5A Division II.

But Raiders coach Pepe Moreno says don't believe everything you read.

"On paper, yeah, but you never know," Moreno said, adding that Kofa is always tough and the other teams in the region are on the rise. The Kings have finished in the top three in 5A-II each of the last three seasons.

The Raiders are ranked either third or fourth coming into the 2008-09 season in 5A-II. And some coaches and publications have them as high as two in the state in any conference, behind perennial state juggernaut Tucson-Sunnyside.

Cibola lost 53-13 to Sunnyside in the 5A-II state team dual tournament last season. That Raiders' squad went 31-3 and featured eight state placers (top six finish at 5A-II individual tournament) - six of which were seniors with at least two years of varsity experience to draw upon.

"We are going to have 10 new starters out of 14," Moreno said. "I can just see us losing a lot of close matches because of the experience."

This year's version has plenty of depth, buoyed by the Raiders' recent success, but lacks the seasoning of past squads. Only returning 130 pound state champion Gabriel Miranda and Kelven Gastellum, who was third in state at 160 with a 35-9 mark, have full varsity seasons under their belts. Both are seniors.

"The best thing that is going to happen is these kids got a chance to see what it takes," Moreno said. "On the downside they got limited varsity experience. So that is kind of our theme. Those seniors (last year) were willing to work pretty hard."

Miranda comes into the season carrying the weight of a perfect season - 45-0. He's considered the top wrestler at the weight this season.

"Yeah it (last year) is in the past for him," Moreno said. "He's starting from scratch just looking to wrestle. He's taken the silent leadership role for us. He's really stepping up making sure we get them pumped up and has passed on his work ethic to other kids."

The remainder of the team has limited or no varsity experience. That appears to be the only question mark for Cibola, which will fill all 14 weights.

Several wrestlers traveled to summer camps and national freestyle tournaments. The Raiders were second out of 32 teams at the Camp of Champions in Riverside, Calif.

The Raiders are also blessed with having three and sometimes four competing for the varsity slot at each weight.

"Definitely have a lot of kids to pick from," Moreno said. "They saw what they did last year and want to be a part of it. They are really pushing off each other."

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Brian Williams can be reached at
bwilliams@yumasun.com or 539-6880.

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Returning 5A-II state placer/qualifier: Gabriel Miranda - 5A-II state champion at 130 as junior; and Kelven Gastellum - third in 5A-II at 160.

Key newcomers: Senior Joey Ulloa (152) looking to leave mark as senior; Angel Martinez (119 or 125) missed placing by one match a year ago as a junior; sophomore Adam Ludwin (112) competed in national freestyle competitions over the summer; sophomore Eric Arais (119 or 125) moving up from lower level; Senior Gibran Anaya (130 or 135) seen limited action on varsity; junior Ernesto Prieto (135) seen limited action on varsity.

Wrestler to watch: Miranda at 130 or 135 is the no-brainer after going 45-0 last season. He'll be gunning for back-to-back state titles.

Cibola coach Pepe Moreno comments: "Only have four returning wrestlers this year. We are looking for a lot of those guys to step up and hopefully we can leave off where we left off last year."

The lowdown: The Raiders will go as far as the newcomers take them. If they struggle, it could be a long season. Should have good idea of how good the Raiders are after the Warrior Classic at Westwood High in Mesa ... Depth is always good, but it's a long, demanding season and who starts the season may not be around late in the season when it matters most.