Over spring break, Spartan Wrestler Julian Chavez took a trip to the University of Northern Iowa to participate in the 2024 USA Nationals.
Chavez is a junior at Greeley West and has been wrestling for 13 years, his senior year being his upcoming 14th year in the sport.
Chavez is known around the wrestling community as someone who is aggressive and passionate with his style of wrestling.
West wrestling coach Joseph Martinez, a former D1 wrestler and a 3-time state champion himself, shared his thoughts about seeing his wrestler attend this tournament.
“Julian has worked hard this season and it was time to take the show on the road,” Martinez stated. “Julian is a funky and unconventional wrestler. I knew that he would be able to be entertaining while wrestling his heart out.”
Martinez points out that Chavez as a wrestler knows what steps to take to be able to exceed as a wrestler.“Chavez focuses on the fundamentals of the sport. They definitely have improved and he’ll be able to pin his opponents from any angle” Martinez explained.
After a hard-fought weekend, Chavez shares how he placed at the weekend feeling very satisfied with his performance. “After placing 8th total, I’m now All-American in wrestling and I was able to get first place for my buyback round robin,” Chavez shared.” Overall I feel like the tournament and my placement were successful.”
Chavez credits Martinez as his main mentor throughout his high school wrestling career. “My coach has an impressive resume himself, being a 3-time state champ and reaching the D1 level. Now my goal is to personally match that if not go bigger than him.”
Photo Credits: Marcelo Marquez (GWHS Wrestler)
