Sahuarita wrestling team produces state champions: Q&A with boys head coach Paul Vasquez
SAHUARITA, Ariz. —聽A Q&A with Paul Vasquez who is the head coach of the Sahuarita boys wrestling team.
Team: Coach(es) name(s): Paul Vasquez (Boys Head Coach) Gabe Lopez (Girls Head Coach) Assistants: Tim Berrier, Ralph Lopez, Curt Sexton, Sergio Burgos, Morris Segura
Please share some history or backstory on the team/club/program.
Paul Vasquez:
Boys: Prior to 2020 our team was 2nd in state in 1977 and 2007, also Section Champions in 1977 and 1978. We finished in last place (51st) in 2019. Since then, our team has finished 1st or 2nd in the state championships five years in a row. 2nd in 2020 and 2021, State Champions in 2022, 2023 and 2024
Girls: 2023-24 was our first year officially having a girls’ team. We finished with two individual state champions and our team finished 2nd at the state championships.
What are the team鈥檚 goals for the current/upcoming season?
Vasquez: The goal for the upcoming seasons for both boys and girls is to win a team state championship in both divisions.
Who are the team鈥檚 captains or leaders? What makes them a vital part of the team鈥檚 success?
Vasquez: Gabriel Gallardo and Daniel Guerrero are our boys鈥� captains. They set the tone and lead by example. They get our team warmups going, they show the younger kids how to carry themselves, what is expected in our program in order to maintain our standards and really help the younger kids adjust to high school and high school wrestling. They also get in early to sweep and mop the mats. This shows that younger group that no one is above doing the 鈥渄irty work.鈥� This is an example that was shown when they were coming up by the older group and now it is carried on.
Does the team have any pregame rituals or traditions?
Vasquez: Not particularly. Wrestling is different in that pregame stuff doesn鈥檛 usually happen because kids need to lose or maintain weight prior to weigh ins.
How does the team welcome new members?
Vasquez: It鈥檚 kind of a trial by fire. Wrestling is physically and mentally tough and can be draining. The new kids are thrown right in. When the kids who have been around for a bit notice that the new kids can hang and are serious about being part of the program, they welcome them in with open arms.
How does the team celebrate?
Vasquez: If we are on the road, we usually stop for something to eat together. At home, we will hang out and finish what was left of the snack bar.
Has the team (or any individuals) broken any records this year? (For example: single game/season statistics like scoring or wins in a season, first to the state, etc.)
Vasquez: Daniel Guerrero earned his 100th high school win. Gabriel Gallardo became our career leader in wins with 155. Our team is currently on a 29-match win streak dating back to January of 鈥�23. Prior to that we had won 51 dual meets in a row. Our record over the last 3 seasons is 79-1. Our incoming senior class has lost 1 dual meet is high school (79-1) and has won the state championship every season they have been in high school.
What has motivated the team to reach their goals this season?
Vasquez: We make goal sheets every off season for the upcoming season, they are not always the same, but they always have a space for a list of goals and a plan to accomplish those goals. We talk about those goals and not wavering from them because things get hard, you get tired or discouraged. We make those goals public and we talk about them at least weekly. Our team goal doesn鈥檛 change, but the kids know that if they handle their business and accomplish their own individual goals, the team goals will take care of themselves.
Anything else you鈥檇 like to add?
Vasquez: Just that I am very proud of our kids and our program. Our kids are the hardest working kids on campus and in town. They put in a ton of time year-round and have really turned this program into something people want to be a part of. Our kids are not just good wrestlers, they are good people who can push themselves through tough times and tough situations, this will serve them well in life.
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