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As a freshman, Robertson’s Rico Montoya introduced himself to the state by stunning Cleveland’s Paul Mascareñas — who was a two-time state champion and ranked third in the country by at least one publication at the time — at last year’s Joe Vivian Classic, taking a 6-4 decision to claim the 113-pound title.
Volcano Vista’s Cameron Huizar tries to flip Robertson’s Richard Montoya in the in the finals of the 120-pound class of the Joe Vivian Classic on Saturday evening at Albuquerque High. (Jim Thompson/Albuquerque Journal)
Fast forward a year, and Montoya isn’t northern New Mexico’s best-kept secret any longer — he’s considered the best 120-pounder in the state, regardless of classification. And the two-time A-3A state champion left little doubt this past Saturday that he remains the best at his weight by notching a 9-2 win over Cameron Huizar of Volcano Vista to defend his Joe Vivian Classic crown. Robertson finished ninth in team scoring.
HORSEMEN PLACE SIXTH, BLEA TAKES TITLE: St. Michael’s heavyweight Andres Blea continues to dominate this season, earning an impressive win over defending Class 4A state champion Ismael Chavez of Atrisco Heritage in the finals of the Joe Vivian Classic on Saturday at Albuquerque High. It was the second time this season Blea had defeated the Jaguars’ standout, who was also Atrisco Heritage’s first-ever state champion. Blea is the defending A-3A state champion and placed second at the Classic last season.
OTHER AREA TOP FINISHERS: Second-place finishers included 138-pounder Jose Ocampo of St. Mike’s. Ocampo, who placed second last year, suffered a 15-0 technical fall to Lawrence Otero of Volcano Vista. At 220 pounds, Joe Crespin of Robertson lost, 3-2, in triple overtime of Clayton Pankey of Cleveland.
NOTE: Mascareñas, now a senior, remained at 113, finishing first.
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