Wes Rayburn, Piedra Vista
Photo courtesy of Jesse Hankins/PrimeTime Pics
Jose Tapia isn't very big and he's just a junior, but he is the top-ranked wrestler in New Mexico this year, according to
ZiaWrestler.com.
The 120-pounder from
Capital (Santa Fe) already has put together an outstanding career. He is a three-time state champion and two-time national champion. His in-season prep record is a superb 104-2.
ZiaWrestler.com calls Tapia "a pinning machine ... It's unlikely anyone in NM can contend with him based on the amount of national competition he sees in the off-season ... He is the hammer and everyone else, well, they are the nails."
The following wrestlers also are ranked among the state's top 10:
2. Dylan UderoThe 132-pound senior from
Las Cruces is a four-time state placer. He twice was a state champion and enters his final season with a 136-13 record. His other state tourney finishes were third and fourth.
3. Wes RayburnThe 138-pound
Piedra Vista (Farmington) sophomore is 65-11 in his young career, but he already has notched a state title and one runner-up finish. In addition he has one national runner-up finish.
4. Noah MirabalThe
Cleveland (Rio Rancho) 120-pound junior twice has won a state championship and has a career record of 84-11 with two more years to easily reach triple figures.
5. Robert RodriguesA four-time state finalist, the 126-pound
Cobre (Bayard) senior has put together a career record of 137-19. During that time he twice has won a state title and finished second on the other two occasions.
6. Xavier VigilA 182-pound junior from
St. Michael's (Santa Fe), he has a career record of 86-18. Included are one state championship and a pair of runner-up finishes.
7. Isaac LopezThe 170-pound
Rio Grande (Albuquerque) senior has compiled a career record of 75-9. He is a two-time state champion and finished third on another occasion.
8. Kyle SnellingAnother 170-pound senior, this
La Cueva (Albuquerque) standout also holds a pair of state titles and finished fourth in another year. He has posted a career record of 76-15.
9. Lane SaundersDuring his career the 185-pound
Los Alamos senior has two state titles and a third-place finish to his credit. He has won 123 matches and lost only 25.
10. Clayton ArellanoThe 152-pound senior standout makes
Rio Grande (Albuquerque) the only school with two top-10-ranked wrestlers. He has a superb 103-8 record with two seconds and a third-place finish in the state tournament.