New Mexico Wrestling - USA

New Mexico USA Wrestling Athlete, Parent or Supporter,

The NMUSA Wrestling Board wanted to update you on our recent Olympic Styles Season. We have had one of the most successful seasons since I have been here in New Mexico (Emily Tew). We hosted 3 tournaments in the Spring with an average of 130 participants and a high of 157 participants at our state meet. We also hosted an introductory camp that was well attended by 87 athletes. There was participation from all age groups, which was very exciting to see.

In June, we had 37 New Mexico athletes travel out to our Regional Tournament in Kansas. Our Southern Plains Regional Tournament is a great opportunity for NM athletes to test themselves against tough competition from other states without traveling too far. This regional tournament featured wrestlers from 22 different states. Women’s Greco was also featured at this event and several of our athletes participated.

Our Turf Wars Dual teams were larger than ever. We took one shy of a full boys’ team roster. The boys finished in 8th place in both Freestyle and Greco. The girl’s team was only half-full this year, which made competition in duals a challenge, but all of the girls gained valuable experience against some of the best wrestlers in the nation.

Several NM athletes also competed and placed at USMC Women’s Nationals and USAW Kid’s Nationals this year.  While, NMUSA Wrestling did not directly financially support these events, but we are proud of the athletes that participated with many placing at both of these events. Their dedication to our sport will elevate the level of wrestling in our local community.

Jonny Gurule from Los Lunas HS/505WC also made the U20 Greco Roman National Team.  He will be competing in the World Championships in Sofia, Bulgaria in mid-August. 

New Mexico took its largest team (18 athletes, 2 girls and 16 boys) out to Fargo, North Dakota for the 2022 US Marine Corps 16U and Junior Nationals also just known as Fargo. This event is the largest wrestling competition in the United States with over 6,000 entries this year. We had several athletes win matches at this high-level event. Roman Lutrell of Cleveland High School placed 6th in the 16U Greco Tournament earning him All American status. Athletes that compete in this prestigious tournament commit their summers to train and prepare. We are very proud of all athletes that participated in this event as well as all our local events.

As we begin a season of calm before the scholastic wrestling season begins, the NMUSA wrestling board will be working on how to further improve our Olympic Styles Season and increase participation throughout our state. We have many dedicated coaches that have gained valuable perspective and knowledge during this season. We look forward to continuing the growth of wrestling in the state of New Mexico.  If you are a New Mexico wrestler, please start thinking about the next Olympic Styles season now! Many opportunities through the Olympic Styles can help you become a better wrestler and even help you wrestle at the next level.   

Thank you for your support this past season. We could not do any of this without participation from athletes, coaches and parents in our state. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, please reach out to one of the NM USA board members. 

Please be on the lookout for further communication from us. We will be outlining our goals for this next season soon. 

Thank you,

Emily Tew, NM USA Women’s Director

Evan Copeland, NM USA State Chair