Gila Ridge Wrestling looks to continue dominance into new year

The Hawks are off to an incredible start and have their sights set on championships in the spring

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) - The Gila Ridge Hawks Wrestling team is off to a hot 8-1 start, and have their sights set on a team state championship.

"We’re dogs," said sophomore wrestler Raidyn Tanaka. "We’re coming for it all, we’re looking to beat everyone, we’re looking to be the best, and I think we are one of the best in the state.”

Senior Adam Kempton doubled down on that statement.

"We don’t want to take top four, we want to take first," Kempton said. "We want to take first as a team."

Currently ranked the fourth best team in the state, the Hawks confidence explodes throughout the gym.

But it takes a certain mindset and grit to soar as high as this flock does.

"One thing that’s important about being on a wrestling team is being tough, and there are no shortcuts to that," said Gila Ridge Head Wrestling Coach Abel VillaMoreno. "It takes a lot of hard work, perseverance and dedication. Every time you show up, you’re here and you’re ready for a fight."

Even during break, VillaMoreno acknowledge how bad the kids want to be the best.

"The kids truly want to be here. Even during the holiday season, they’re asking what time practice is and when they can get here," VillaMoreno said. "They make it easy for us as coaches to be here as well."

The grind is arduous, and time will tell if it'll pay off for the Hawks in the new year.

For the full in depth story, watch the video above to learn more about Gila Ridge's greatness so far, and how they plan to continue to grow as a team.