PHOENIX — Morenci High School captured the Division IV team championship at the AIA State Wrestling Championships, highlighting a strong weekend for programs across the Gila Valley.
Morenci totaled 214.5 points to win the D4 title, finishing ahead of St. Johns and Santa Cruz Valley.
The Wildcats were led by three individual state champions.
Jacob Goodwin won the 159-pound championship with four victories, including three pins and a first-period fall in the finals. Emerson Montes claimed the 152-pound title, securing a major decision in the championship match after earning two earlier decisions. Caden Woodall added another championship at 167 pounds, recording two technical falls and two pins during his run through the bracket.
Morenci also placed three wrestlers third. Merrik Williams finished third at 140 pounds. Jeremiah Cano earned third at 122 pounds. Kiano Torres placed third at 146 pounds.
Ryder Nelson finished fourth at 115 pounds, while Isaiah Cook added a third-place finish at 287 pounds. James Davis placed fourth at 217 pounds.
On the girls side, Cynthia Martinez placed third at 187 pounds in Division II, and Lailani Strong finished fifth at 102 pounds. Peytin Corbell battled back after a round one loss to finish 2nd at 128 pounds and Taytum Porter finished of her tournament with a pin for 5th place in the 140-pound division.
In Division III, Safford High School placed fourth as a team with 111 points.
The Bulldogs were led by two individual champions. Tate Bodine won the 115-pound title, earning a technical fall and a pin before closing with a decision in the championship match. Alex Chacon captured the 122-pound championship, recording two pins and a technical fall on his way to the title.
Jacoby Cardenas finished second at 108 pounds after advancing to the finals. Isac Contreras placed third at 134 pounds with two pins in the consolation bracket.
Thatcher High School had three state placers. Alannah Simoneaux finished fourth at 109 pounds in Division II. Addison Stone placed fourth at 102 pounds. Josiah Matagaono earned fifth place at 192 pounds in Division IV.
Pima High School also had two placers in Division II girls competition. Maelee Woods finished fifth at 187 pounds, earning three wins in the tournament. Josie McEuen placed sixth at 128 pounds.
Morenci’s team title and multiple individual championships highlighted a weekend that saw 17 Gila Valley wrestlers earn podium finishes at the state championships.
