It’s ‘tougher’ than state, Volcano Vista coach says

At the Joe Vivian Classic, it’s never about who’s attending.

Who’s not attending?

The Vivian Classic remains vital and fresh, insomuch as it is the most accurate barometer of gauging the state’s best individuals — including the state tournament.

“It’s tougher than state,” Volcano Vista coach Mikey Lovato said.

In no other event do the top programs and athletes in Classes 5A, 4A and 3A battle each other. But they will do precisely that today and Saturday at Albuquerque High.

If you want to scout oppponents for next month’s state tournament, the Vivian is always the best place to be.

The first session begins at 1 p.m. today. The finals on Saturday are tentatively scheduled for 5 p.m.

A mammoth field — as of late Thursday afternoon, it was 33 schools — are entered.

It includes a large majority of top programs from each class.

Cleveland and Rio Grande, which have generally been at the top of the heap in 5A, are among the favorites. The other 5A contenders, a list that includes Rio Rancho, Volcano Vista, Mayfield, Cibola and Manzano, are also in the field.

Of note: Rio Grande is coming off a head-to-head dual match victory over Cleveland earlier this week.

“It gives us a big charge of adrenaline and it’s a big confidence booster,” Rio Grande coach Loren Vigil said. “But at the same time, we have to make sure we stay focused.”

Top Ravens include Chris Hernandez (195), Andy Montoya (120) and Logan Wolfel (152), but Rio Grande could be a factor at a number of weights.

The Storm has enjoyed a strong first half to the season, including a victory at the Las Cruces Invitational last month. That field included Rio Rancho, Mayfield and Rio Grande.

“I think we’re all going to see who is a tournament team and who is a dual team,” said the Hawks’ Lovato.

Volcano Vista has two of the best athletes in this tournament — three-time state champion Eric Montoya at 126, and Lawrence Otero, another past state champion, at 138. Both have earned national rankings this season.

The only undefeated wrestler in 5A last season, Cleveland junior Paul Mascareñas, a two-time state champ, leads the Storm. The nationally ranked Mascareñas will be the heavy favorite at 113, although last weekend in Clovis, Calif., he suffered his first loss since January 2010. Cleveland’s other returning state champion, Mac Borrego (120), is out with a concussion, but the Storm is deep and talented.

“It’s the premier event in New Mexico in terms of an individual tournament,” Cleveland coach Corey Anderson said. “I think that it’s a great opportunity to see a lot of programs compete together.”
— This article appeared on page D4 of the Albuquerque Journal