Blue versus white wrestle off preps SHS for season

It was a great turnout for the Blue versus White Wrestle Off on Wednesday, Dec. 10, in the Socorro High School gym. 

The Socorro Warrior Junior Wrestling youths went first. Athletes of the same or similar weight classes competed to earn their spots for their upcoming season. The Socorro Warriors and Lady Warriors went next, each getting two matches.

“This is a great way to kick off our 2025/2026 wrestling season.” Warriors Head Coach Joel Partridge said.

The SHS wrestling program has produced state champions and has been dominant in their district the past several years. They have been undefeated in district competition for four years running.

“It’s really hard to do that.” Partridge said of the undefeated streak.

Days after the wrestle off, eleven boys and seven girls traveled for the first competition of the season. The Warriors and Lady Warriors teams competed at the 58th Las Cruces Harrison Invite this past weekend, Dec. 12-13. 

Notable results:

Boys: Marius Lucero, 120 pounds, fifth place; Isiah Estrada, 132 pounds, second place; Kadeyn McNeil, 144 pounds, second place.

Girls: Kalena Vanlandingham, 135 pounds, third place.

The next tournament for SHS wrestling is the Colorado XMas in Greeley, CO. They are departing on Thursday, Dec. 18, at 9 a.m. Matches will take place on Friday and Saturday, Dec. 19-20, and they will return on Sunday.