New to wrestling, PV sophomore learns, builds character

Posted by Sunnie R. Clahchischiligi | Dec 24, 2014 | Wrestling |

FARMINGTON

Piedra Vista junior varsity wrestler Timothy Yazzie is one of the few Native Americans on PV’s decorated state wrestling team. Two weeks ago, Yazzie went 5-2 at a tournament in Rio Rancho. (Times photo – Sunnie R. Clahchischiligi)

For the first time in his two years with the highly decorated Piedra Vista wrestling program, Timothy Yazzie knew what it felt like to be a champion.

A 132-pound sophomore on the junior varsity squad, Yazzie was given a chance to wrestle with the varsity team earlier this month in Rio Rancho.

“I just worked hard,” Yazzie said. “My coach pushed me all the time.”

Yazzie went 5-2 in Rio Rancho against competition from as far away as Texas and Oklahoma.

The prestigious varsity wrestling team has yet to see a Navajo wrestler on the squad and most of those who make the team have been wrestling all their lives.

Yazzie has been wrestling since he was in junior high when he met Piedra Vista head wrestling coach Michael Bejar.

Bejar said Yazzie struggled with academics and character, but wrestling has helped him grow.

“Timothy has come a long way,” he said. “He’s really turned a corner. He’s trying to make better decisions for himself, which is putting him in a better situation.”

Yazzie, a student of mixed martial arts and boxing, said he knows the varsity squad is competitive so he was happy to get his chance.
He said his interest is to set an example for his younger siblings and to better his character.

“It kept my grades up and kept me out of trouble,” he said.

Bejar said Yazzie was given the opportunity to step up to the varsity after one of the wrestlers got injured.

He said Yazzie proved himself and continues to do so.

“He did extremely well,” Bejar said. “We got some solid wins, great wins against some good competition. He grew a lot and I think he learned that now. He’s a solid JV wrestler.”