The Four Horsemen
Quartet leading the way for Miyamura wrestling
AJ Starkovich (top) is one of four Miyamura wrestlers that is seeing a lot of success on the mat. Starkovich placed second at the prestigious Joe Vivian Classic in Albuquerque last month in the 152-pound weight class. (Times photo – Paul Natonabah)
GALLUP
Even with top-ranked Piedra Vista in their district, the Miyamura wrestling team remains steadfast in achieving their goals.
With a few dominant kids in their wrestling program, the Patriots are motivated to finish out the season with a bang.
“We’re in a tough district but we do have some horses,” Miyamura coach Kenneth Starkovich said.
Starkovich said anything can happen once you step inside the circle, but for the most part the Patriots have seen a lot of success this year in four different weight classes.
The four leading wrestlers include Jeremiah Salaz, Jasper Denetclaw, Toshio Herrera and AJ Starkovich with the latter two being state placers last season.
“It’s a confidence booster and it shows that you’re a superior wrestler,” AJ Starkovich said of being a state placer.
On Saturday, the Patriots will host the District 1-5A Duals meet, which will determine the team champions in the five-team district, which includes Aztec, Farmington, Gallup, PV and Miyamura.
On Feb. 14, the District 1-5A tournament will take place at Piedra Vista High School as the top four wrestlers in each weight class will make the state wrestling tournament, which is slated for Feb. 20 at the Santa Ana Star Center in Rio Rancho, N.M.
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